The Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC), working with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), has decided to give a 90-day extension to Ultimate Safaris and three communal conservancies that are being looked into for possible unfair competition practices.
NaCC spokesperson Dina //Gowases announced on Wednesday that a meeting took place with the MEFT on March 14 to discuss the situation, leading to the decision to extend the time for the involved parties to respond.
The conservancies in question are Doro !Nawas, Uibasen Twyfelfontein, and Sorris Sorris, all situated in the Kunene region.
This investigation began after a complaint was filed in September of last year, claiming that the conservancies made exclusive deals with Ultimate Safaris, which might violate competition laws.
“In January 2025, the commission advised the conservancies to think about ending their exclusive agreements and to confirm in writing that they have stopped this exclusive behavior within 30 days of that notice,” //Gowases stated.
The commission also warned that not following these instructions could lead to legal actions under the Competition Act of 2003.
“The commission is pleased to have the chance to work together and find a solution that benefits everyone involved,” //Gowases added.
As part of the plan, the MEFT will inform the affected parties about the 90-day extension and is expected to provide a report to the commission that outlines the laws and history of communal conservancies in Namibia.
“This report will help guide further discussions between the MEFT and the commission to find the best way to move forward,” she explained.
In the meantime, the commission has not ruled out the possibility of future legal actions.
