Namibia's journey towards a national minimum wage is rooted in its constitutional commitment to social justice and a decent standard of living for all citizens. Despite significant economic growth, the country has continued to face persistent income inequality.

Before the NMW, only a few sectors, like agriculture, security and domestic work, had legally mandated minimum wages, leaving most workers vulnerable to exploitation and low pay.

In response, the Namibian government, in collaboration with social partners and with technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), enacted a new wage order. This policy is a crucial step towards fulfilling the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.