Namibian Competition Commission faces scrutiny over tourism probe amid calls to investigate Namibia Wildlife Resorts

Chris Brown, chief executive of the Namibian Chamber of Environment NCE, has urged the NaCC to halt this investigation. Instead, Brown advocates for an inquiry into the alleged anti-competitive dominance of Namibia Wildlife Resorts NWR in national parks and its operation of the Sossusvlei shuttle service. The NaCC confirmed receipt of Brown's letter, stating that its investigation into potential restrictive business practices is within its mandate under the Competition Act.

The current probe originated from a complaint by Timoteus Mashuna, who alleged anti-competitive conduct through exclusive tourism arrangements by the Doro !Nawas, Sorris Sorris, and Twyfelfontein conservancies and Ultimate Safaris. The NaCC issued a cautionary notice in December 2024, and after a year of engagement with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, decided to proceed with a formal investigation, notifying Ultimate Safaris managing director Tristan Cowley and Mashuna in March. Brown argues that the NaCC's approach demonstrates a lack of understanding of the tourism sector and could undermine the communal conservancy tourism model, which is vital for rural livelihoods and conservation financing.

He asserts that joint-venture tourism arrangements are supported by the Nature Conservation Amendment Act of 1996. The