Namibia has reclaimed the number one position on the Press Freedom Index as the country with the freest press in Africa, from second position the previous year.

The country is also ranked 22 out of 180 countries in the world.

In a media statement, the Presidency expressed delight, saying, "As the Fourth Estate, President Geingob always says that the media is crucial to democracy and plays an essential role in keeping the public informed and government institutions accountable.’’

‘’Therefore, the media is an important pillar of effective governance and should be assured that President Geingob will guarantee freedom of the Fourth Estate for as long as he is the President of this country. This demonstrates the fact that the strength of Namibia in press freedom is a function of the commitment of President Geingob and the government that he leads to upholding the values of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia," the statement said.

The Press Freedom Index is published annually on May 3, which is World Press Freedom Day.

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.

The Presidency says World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity for the press in Namibia to reflect on its role in strengthening the quality of Namibian democracy by reporting accurately and fairly, consistent with their own self-regulatory Code of Ethics.