Publication of annual reports among commercial public enterprises in Namibia: an updated (2020/2021-2023/2024) situational analysis

Despite clear requirements and recommendations of the PEGA, 2019 (Act No. 1 of 2019), the Companies Act 28 of 2004, and the NamCode, many commercial PEs in Namibia fail to consistently publish their annual reports. This undermines both public trust and the ability of policymakers to make informed decisions. While earlier assessments, such as the Institute for Public Policy Research’s 2021 report of the 2019/2020 financial year, shed light on these shortcomings, there has been limited research on more recent reporting trends. This study addresses that gap by examining the availability of annual reports across 21 commercial PEs from the 2020/2021 to 2023/2024 financial year. Using a qualitative, interpretivist approach, the study assessed online annual report publication where data analysed through a deductive lens shaped by the PEGA, Companies Act, NamCode, and relevant governance theories (Agency, Stakeholder, Public Value, and Institutional theories). The findings point to persistent inconsistencies in compliance, with only a handful of commercial PEs consistently publishing their annual reports online over the review period. Challenges identified include limited internal resources, unclear accountability mechanisms, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and political interference. Weak regulatory enforcement further exacerbates the issue. However, entities like the Mobile Telecommunications Company and the Namibia Power Corporation, amongst others, emerged as examples of best practice. To strengthen transparency and accountability in Namibia’s PE sector, the study highlights the need for more robust enforcement of reporting requirements, standardised publication frameworks, and strategic investment in institutional capacity Key Words:Annual Reports, Public Enterprises, Transparency, Accountability, Namibia