Introduced at the time of independence in 1990, it superseded the earlier coat of arms used by the South African administration of the territory.

The Constituent Assembly which drew up the Namibian Constitution in 1989 appointed a National Symbols Sub-Committee to produce a flag and coat of arms for the country.

After approving the flag, the committee decided to use the same design as the coat of arms, with the addition of an African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) for a crest, and two gemsbok (Oryx) as supporters.

[4] In 1958, the South West African administration decided that the territory should have an official coat of arms.

After obtaining the approval of the South African government, the administration engaged Dr Coenraad Beyers to design the arms.