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The Sustainable Development Goals in Namibia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Namibia.
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11 March 2026
Beyond the Mine: How Namibia Is Mapping 26,400 New Jobs for the Next Generation
The precision skills she is learning today could soon place her at the centre of Namibia’s next economic chapter.For thousands of young Namibians like her, the country’s economic transformation is not an abstract policy debate. It is about whether training, talent and ambition can translate into meaningful work.A new Rapid Product Space Assessment by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), launched in Windhoek this February, suggests that this transformation is within reach. By expanding value addition and developing industries linked to Namibia’s mineral resources, the country could unlock around US$900 million in new economic activity and support up to 26,400 jobs, roughly three per cent of Namibia’s labour force.Many of these opportunities would require the technical and industrial skills that young Namibians are already acquiring through vocational and technical training programmes across the country.The 8th Administration driving homegrown valueFor Namibia’s leadership, the changing global economy presents an opportunity to deepen domestic value creation beyond the traditional model of exporting raw minerals.Speaking at the launch of the assessment, Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, described the report as an important milestone in advancing the development priorities of Namibia’s 8th Administration under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.By linking the findings to Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), the Government signaled a clear ambition to transform natural resource wealth into diversified industrial activity that delivers tangible benefits at home.“This report is a strategic roadmap,” the Minister said. “Namibia’s natural wealth must translate into local industry, specialised skills and inclusive growth that benefits future generations.”Namibia in a changing global economyGlobal demand for critical minerals such as lithium, copper, manganese, cobalt and rare earth elements is rising rapidly as countries expand renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure.At the same time, governments and industries are seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on single suppliers of raw materials.For resource rich countries like Namibia, this shift creates an opportunity to move beyond exporting raw commodities toward processing materials, manufacturing industrial inputs and developing stronger domestic value chains.As Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, noted, Namibia’s ambitions reflect a wider transformation underway across the global economy.Countries that invest in productive capabilities, skills and industrial ecosystems are better positioned to create quality jobs and participate in emerging green and digital industries.Turning complexity into opportunityAt the centre of the assessment is the concept of economic complexity, which measures the knowledge and capabilities embedded in what a country produces.Using this approach, the analysis identified 353 potential products across 23 sectors that Namibia could realistically develop based on capabilities already present in the economy.These products include metal components, machinery parts, packaging materials and other manufactured goods linked to industrial value chains.If developed strategically, these opportunities could expand Namibia’s manufacturing base and create jobs across technical and industrial professions such as welders, electricians, technicians, engineers and logistics specialists.For young Namibians entering the labour market, this shift could transform uncertainty into opportunity.What 26,400 jobs could mean for young NamibiansYouth unemployment remains one of Namibia’s most pressing development challenges. Each year thousands of young people complete school, vocational training or university studies and begin searching for stable employment.Industrial diversification could create entire employment ecosystems.Each step up the value chain generates demand not only for factory workers but also for services such as equipment maintenance, laboratory testing, transport, packaging and business support.These ecosystems also create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and small enterprises that supply goods and services to emerging industries.Namibia’s regional advantageNamibia’s geographic position further strengthens its prospects.With the Port of Walvis Bay serving as a logistics gateway to Southern Africa, Namibia is well placed to supply regional markets including Angola, Zambia, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.If supported by reliable energy supply, transport infrastructure and industrial development zones, emerging manufacturing clusters in Namibia could serve both domestic and regional value chains.Addressing the missing middleThe opportunity identified in the assessment is significant, but it is not automatic.Key constraints remain in specialised technical skills such as machining, industrial maintenance and quality control. Expanding work-based learning programmes and strengthening technical and vocational education systems will therefore be critical.At the same time, reliable energy supply, industrial infrastructure, testing laboratories and improved access to finance will be necessary to support industrial growth.Addressing these gaps will determine how quickly Namibia can translate potential into production and jobs.A United Nations partnership supporting Namibia’s transformationThe Rapid Product Space Assessment illustrates the value of coordinated international cooperation. The initiative was funded by the Government of Japan and complements the contributions of the UN family through the economic pillar of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025-2029.One joint UN initiative led by the Government of Namibia is the Global Accelerator on Jobs, Social Protection, and Just Transitions (Global Accelerator) aiming at improving employment and social protection ensuring a just green transition: International Labour Organization (ILO), supports Employment creation and labour market systems and is assisting the Government in developing Namibia’s third National Employment Policy (NEP).United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supports youth empowerment and skills development connecting youth to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), promotes value addition in agrifood systems by strengthening agro processing industries and rural enterprise development for small-holder farmers.United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), supports the strengthening of the social protection policies.In addition, other agencies within the economic pillar of the UNSDCF, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), work with national partners to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems by aligning training programmes with labour market demand.Together these efforts are aligned through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).As United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) Hopolang Phororo emphasised, the assessment provides a foundation for coordinated action.“This assessment provides clear direction for turning economic opportunity into decent work for young Namibians,” she said. “Through the UNSDCF and initiatives such as the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection, the UN system is working together to expand jobs, strengthen skills and ensure that no young person is left behind.”From analysis to actionNamibia’s youthful population makes this moment especially significant.Each year thousands of young people enter the labour market searching for opportunities to build productive lives.Industrial diversification and value addition therefore represent more than economic transformation. They represent a pathway toward opportunity, stability and inclusive growth.The next phase will depend on sustained coordination between government, industry and development partners to translate evidence into implementation and implementation into jobs.Because beyond the US$900 million opportunity lies Namibia’s greatest resource: the talent, ambition and creativity of its young people.
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02 March 2026
From Headlines to Healing? Strengthening Survivor-Centred GBV Reporting in Namibia How Namibian journalists are rethinking GBV reporting — and why survivor protection is gaining ground.
For many years, gender-based violence (GBV) reporting in Namibia has often focused primarily on the incident itself — a crime, a quote, a broadcast — and then silence. While the public was informed, survivors sometimes continued to carry the longer-term consequences. For many survivors, what happens after the headline fades can matter most.In closely connected communities, anonymity can be fragile. A neighbourhood reference, a family connection or a brief description of a house — details that may appear harmless on air — can reveal a survivor’s identity in real life. Reporting intended to expose violence can, if not handled carefully, unintentionally extend harm through stigma, retaliation or isolation.Today, efforts are underway to further strengthen survivor-centred reporting practices.A Shift Across NewsroomsIn December 2025, more than 50 media professionals — including programme managers, producers, presenters and technicians — gathered in Windhoek for a “Do No Harm” training and dialogue on ethical GBV reporting. The engagement was convened through a partnership between the United Nations, the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), with support from media development partners working on gender equality and prevention.The training forms part of ongoing collaboration to strengthen responsible journalism practices and support survivor-centred reporting across Namibia’s media landscape.For Ann Bereng, a producer at NBC’s Tirelo Ya Setswana, the experience marked an important turning point. From Reporting to ProtectingBereng describes her earlier reporting as largely event-driven, relying heavily on police statements and court records. Accuracy was always a priority, but she had not fully considered how framing, language and contextual details might affect survivors after publication. In the fast pace of daily news production, these decisions can seem routine — but for survivors, they can carry lasting consequences.During the training, journalists reviewed real GBV coverage and examined how headlines, wording and imagery influence public perception.“That’s when I realised how one descriptive detail can either protect a survivor or put them at risk,” she says. “Responsible reporting isn’t only about accuracy — it’s about protection.”Since then, her editorial decisions have evolved. In one case, she removed a neighbourhood reference that would previously have been included for context. The details were not necessary for public understanding but could have identified the survivor within the community. Feedback later indicated that the survivor felt more comfortable seeking counselling — illustrating how careful reporting can support recovery rather than retraumatise.Growing Impact Beyond One JournalistThe shift is not limited to one newsroom. Across participating media houses, editors are increasingly reviewing headlines more carefully, questioning imagery choices and consistently including national helplines such as 106 and 116. These adjustments are helping reinforce survivor protection while maintaining public awareness.Law-enforcement officials note similar benefits. Sensitive and accurate reporting can support investigations, while premature or overly detailed coverage may unintentionally create risks for survivors or affect due process. Ethical journalism therefore plays an important role in balancing public information with protection and justice.The training also addressed emerging risks in the digital environment, including online harassment and manipulated content. As artificial intelligence increasingly draws from published media, responsible reporting is becoming an important safeguard for both individuals and the integrity of information ecosystems.UN–SABA Partnership Driving ChangeBy combining SABA’s regional media expertise with the United Nations’ technical guidance, the partnership is helping strengthen and institutionalize ethical reporting standards across participating media houses, while advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that responsible journalism is a critical partner in advancing gender equality and justice in Namibia.“When media reporting protects survivors and upholds dignity, it strengthens both public trust and access to justice. Partnerships such as this are essential to ensuring that no survivor is left behind,” she said.The engagement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and global commitments including the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Essential Services Package for Women and Girls Subject to Violence.Looking AheadBuilding on this momentum, the United Nations and SABA are exploring opportunities to expand ethical reporting support to additional regions and media houses, while strengthening collaboration with the GBV Protection Unit and promoting continued knowledge exchange across the broadcasting sector.The changes taking place in newsrooms may appear modest — a removed detail, a reframed sentence, a more careful headline. Yet each editorial decision can influence whether survivors feel safe enough to seek services, report abuse or tell their stories.As Bereng reflects:“We don’t just report violence — we influence whether it continues.”
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02 March 2026
Refugees in Namibia rebuild their lives through livelihood activities
In Namibia’s remote Osire Refugee Settlement, Nicole tends to neat rows of her vegetable garden, watering each plant with care. To her, this is more than a garden - it is a lifeline.“Before, I was only waiting for food assistance. Now I have a garden. I can sell and buy stuff,” says Nicole Mulumba, a Congolese refugee farmer in the Osire Refugee Settlement in Namibia.This mother of seven arrived in Osire in 2004. Over the years, she has relied on humanitarian assistance to feed her children while working hard in her small vegetable garden and poultry farm. Today, Nicole sells fresh produce to fellow refugees and nearby communities, earning a small but meaningful income that helps support her household.Namibia hosts nearly 7000 refugees and asylum‑seekers from across the African continent, mainly from the DRC and Burundi, with others living in urban areas.In 2025, UNHCR, in collaboration with the Government of Namibia and the World Food Programme, launched a project to revive livelihoods. The support included small‑scale agriculture activities such as planting tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and lettuce, or raising beehives, to help refugees become more self‑sufficient while contributing to the local economy. A total of 24 hectares of land has been allocated to support the initiative, along with technical assistance.With limited employment opportunities, many refugees in Osire face persistent food insecurity driven by low wages, poor harvests, recurrent drought, extreme weather and limited access to markets. Budget constraints, including cuts to food assistance, have immensely affected many refugees, impacting women entrepreneurs like Nicole, who are the breadwinners in their households.Amid these challenges, Nicole remains hopeful. She dreams of expanding her garden, sending her children to tertiary school, and sharing her agricultural skills with others.
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02 February 2026
Sowing seeds of resilience in Namibia
In the remote village of Okakwiyu, where the wind carries the scent of tilled earth and the calls of livestock, 31-year-old Elise Amadhila is reshaping her life one crop, and one animal, at a time.It has been a sometimes back-breaking effort. Located in Namibia’s Oshikoto region, Okakwiyu is among the many northern villages affected by an El Niño-induced drought that ravaged the country over the past three years. Yet, despite the odds, Amadhila has transformed this sandscape into a flourishing, vegetable-filled paradise.Today, she’s raising livestock and, more recently, growing crops — thanks to a project supported by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Kingdom. Launched in 2025, the project aims to improve maternal and child nutrition by giving dozens of smallholder farmers agricultural training and equipment to grow healthier, hardier food. “I wanted to help my family by providing them with a healthier diet like carrots, to support their eyesight, and cabbage, to aid digestion,” Amadhila says.Born and raised in Okakwiyu, Amadhila graduated university with a bachelor’s degree (honours) in higher primary education, specializing in natural science and mathematics. She hoped to be a teacher. But limited job opportunities pushed her in an unexpected direction: agriculture.“Agriculture is just a fulfilling occupation,” Amadhila says, “It’s self-employment, and it doesn’t cost much, all you need is to apply your mind and work hard.”Seeing several of her neighbours raise chickens planted the first seeds of inspiration. What started off with a few hens gradually grew into a modest animal farm, which now includes pigs and pigeons. Amadhila finds joy not only in the meat and eggs her animals provide, but also in the daily interactions with them.Rising food prices and the burden of travelling long distances to buy ever-pricier vegetables inspired her to start growing crops. “Sometimes, you just want to make a salad for lunch, but it’s simply too expensive,” she says.Now Amadhila’s salads are made with her own greens. Spinach and cabbage, but also carrots and onions sprout from her fields, turning her homestead into a blossoming agricultural haven.It wasn’t always smooth sailing. Poor soil fertility, limited water access, and early struggles with seed germination nearly pushed her to give up. The years of punishing drought made things worse.“I was about to stop farming, but I used what I learned from the training and tried using organic fertilizer and that’s when everything started growing,” she says of the WFP-UK project. Through the support of WFP and the United Kingdom, Amadhila and 30 other participating farmers received vital agricultural inputs, including pesticides and seeds. They also received training on composting, soil analysis, food preservation, safe pesticide use — and how to use shade nets and irrigation equipment efficiently. Together, these assets and skills have saved precious water, kept pests at bay, enriched soil fertility and boosted their harvests.Now, Amadhila’s horticultural project isn’t just feeding her mother and her two nieces, it’s laying the groundwork for a bigger vision. She plans to expand her business, planting more crops and eventually selling them to local schools.Instead of a classroom, Amadhila’s horticultural project has become her new lecture hall, a place where resilience, innovation, and purpose grow side by side. In a world where many wait for opportunities to knock, she built her own path with determination, compost, care — and a whole lot of chickens.
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18 December 2025
UN@80 Open Door Forum: Advancing Disability Inclusion, Rights, and Transformative Action
As part of the UN’s 80th anniversary, the forum reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to dignity, equality, and shared humanity by fostering a crucial, action-oriented dialogue with persons with disabilities and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to advance inclusion in Namibia.This forum serves as a practical platform for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029, which is aligned with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and Vision 2030. By centering the voices of persons with disabilities and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), UN Namibia is operationalising its commitment to ensuring that national development processes are inclusive, participatory, and responsive to those most at risk of being left behind. “A United Call for Action”The forum began with impactful opening remarks from Ms. Hopolang Phororo, the UN Resident Coordinator; Ms. Erika Goldson, the Representative of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and a message from Mr. Moses Nghipandulwa of the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired (NFVI).Ms. Goldson underscored the transition from "inclusion in words to inclusion in reality," emphasizing that disability inclusion is a right, not a charity. She celebrated the Art Expo and the vital dialogue on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against people with disabilities.Mr. Nghipandulwa, speaking through his message, hailed the UN as a "beacon of hope" and urged adherence to the "Nothing About Us, Without Us" principle. His calls to action included reforms in travel and recruitment policies, systematic budget allocation for disability initiatives, and building partnerships that empower and lead to self-reliance.Ms. Phororo underscored the UN’s commitment to working with people with disabilities, emphasizing the critical distinction between doing things for them and doing things with them. She explained that the latter approach is far more meaningful, fostering better outcomes not only for the UN but, more importantly, for people with disabilities themselves, as it affirms their autonomy and demonstrates that their voices truly matter.The priorities raised during the forum directly inform the four strategic pillars of the UNSDCF 2025–2029. These include effective governance, by ensuring persons with disabilities are meaningfully included in decision-making processes; economic recovery and transformation, through inclusive growth and employment opportunities; sustainable development and climate resilience, particularly for marginalised groups; and human development, by improving access to quality, rights-based social services. Together, these pillars translate disability inclusion from commitment to action. “Open Forum: Dialogue on Progress and Persistent Challenges”The morning session, "UN@80 Reflections on Disability Inclusion," featured a vibrant open forum where UN agencies persons with disabilities and OPDs engaged in candid discussions. Participants shared successes, such as UNFPA's support for youth with disabilities and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)'s partnerships, while also presenting key challenges. Discussions highlighted the need for UN agencies to directly engage with OPDs at their facilities and support their capacity building in areas like corporate governance. Access to information was a critical point, with calls to translate key documents into "Easy Reading Versions." Participants also emphasized the removal of institutional barriers in travel requirements and UN recruitment, urging systematic funding for disability-specific initiatives and ensuring UN implementing partners integrate disability inclusion into their projects. These reflections underscored a common message: inclusion must be intentional, resourced, and measurable.The open dialogue reinforced the role of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities as essential partners in implementation, monitoring, and accountability. Their contributions offer practical guidance on how the UN system in Namibia can operationalise the UNSDCF 2025–2029, ensuring that policies, programmes, and partnerships address structural barriers and reflect lived realities. The forum also contributes to Namibia’s “80 Voices for 80 Years” campaign, which seeks to amplify diverse lived experiences and ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities help shape inclusive development and the future of multilateral cooperation.“Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Uncovering Hidden Risks”The afternoon session delved into a critical panel discussion on "Gender-Based Violence: Addressing Violence Against Persons with Disabilities," aligning with the global "16 Days of Activism Campaign." The panel was composed of a frontline service provider, a parent of a child with a disability, and two persons with disabilities, bringing together lived experience and professional expertise to illuminate the multifaceted risks faced by the disability community.Key insights revealed that emotional abuse is a frequently overlooked form of GBV, leaving deep scars. Participants highlighted significant access barriers, including communication difficulties for deaf individuals in justice systems and the lack of trained service providers. The disproportionate burden on parents of children with disabilities, often single mothers facing stigma and economic hardship, was also a key focus. Calls were made for policy implementation, community awareness, advocacy to break stigma, and strengthening networks among all stakeholders to create genuinely inclusive environments and address infrastructure accessibility.Panelists called for decisive policy implementation, expanded community awareness, stronger advocacy to dismantle stigma, and enhanced coordination among all stakeholders to ensure accessible environments, communication, and services. “Art and Partnership: Cultivating Connection”Following the in-depth discussions, an "Art Expo" showcased the inspiring creativity and talent of artists with disabilities. This exhibition served as a powerful reminder that their expression and leadership know no bounds. Their work served as a reminder of the inherent talent and potential within Namibia’s disability community; potential that must be recognized, amplified, and supported.The event concluded with networking opportunities, allowing UN, persons with disabilities, and OPD representatives to interact and build stronger partnerships through shared experiences and cultural appreciation. This fostered a collaborative spirit, moving beyond dialogue to genuine human connection.Under the UNSDCF 2025–2029, “Leaving No One Behind” is not a slogan but a development mandate. It requires deliberate action to address the root causes of exclusion and inequality in Namibia. The Open Door Forum marks a key moment in a five-year journey to move from inclusion in words to measurable inclusion in practice, ensuring that persons with disabilities are recognized as rights-holders, contributors, and leaders in Namibia’s development.The "UN@80 Open Door Forum with Persons with Disabilities" served as a crucial platform for honest and productive dialogue between the UN and Namibian OPDs. The invaluable feedback and recommendations received will strengthen the UN's commitment to working "with" people with disabilities, guiding the transition from promises to tangible practices, from exclusion to empowerment. This event marked a significant step forward for disability inclusion in Namibia, reinforcing that sustained partnerships and concrete action are the only path forward toward true empowerment and self-reliance.
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15 April 2026
UN Namibia Advances Disability Inclusion Through UNCT Capacity Building Training
WINDHOEK, Namibia (14–15 April 2026) – As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), UN Namibia convened a two-day UN Country Team (UNCT) Disability Inclusion Training, facilitated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Headquarters with the support of the Disability Inter-Agency Group.The virtual training marked the first phase of system-wide capacity building on disability inclusion across the UN system in Namibia. It brought colleagues together to strengthen a shared understanding of UNDIS requirements and build the skills needed to ensure that persons with disabilities are intentionally and meaningfully included across programmes, operations, partnerships and communications.Across two interactive sessions, participants engaged with practical tools and approaches focused on:Human rights-based approaches to disability inclusioApplying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and UNDIS in programmingUsing disability-disaggregated data for planning, monitoring and reportingDesigning inclusive programmes and strengthening resource mobilizationBeyond technical learning, the training also created space for reflection and dialogue, encouraging colleagues to challenge assumptions and deepen a shared understanding of what it means to deliver inclusive, people-centred results.The initiative supports UN Namibia’s broader efforts to mainstream disability inclusion across all areas of work, in the same way that gender equality is integrated into planning, implementation and accountability processes. By strengthening staff capacity, shared language and practical application, the training contributes to more inclusive decision-making and improved development outcomes.The training also supports the effective implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Namibia. By strengthening the capacity of UN staff to integrate disability-inclusive approaches, the UN system is better positioned to deliver coordinated, equitable and inclusive results aligned with national priorities, ensuring that persons with disabilities are meaningfully included in sustainable development efforts.This first phase of capacity building further contributes to UN Namibia’s institutional evidence base for UNDIS reporting, including inputs to UN INFO and the UN Disability Inclusion Scorecard, reinforcing accountability, coherence and continuous improvement across the UN system.UN Namibia remains committed to ensuring that disability inclusion is not treated as an add-on, but as a core principle guiding how we work—so that no one is left out.
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07 April 2026
From Promise to Practice: Rethinking Namibia’s Jobs Conversation
One day it highlights youth empowerment initiatives, such as MTC’s 4Life programme. Another day it is a sobering reminder that more than 70% of working individuals are unable to save or build generational wealth because unemployed relatives depend on them. On another day, we read about efforts such as the National Youth Development Fund supporting young entrepreneurs. And we also hear about TVET as a pathway to economic emancipation.Different headlines. Different angles. But they all point to the same reality: jobs and livelihoods matter deeply to Namibians. As Namibia marks 36 years of independence under the theme “Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future,” it is worth asking whether the national conversation on jobs is taking us where we need to go. Namibia has set itself an ambitious goal: to create 500,000 jobs. This is not just a policy target - it reflects the scale of the challenge and the urgency of delivering meaningful economic opportunities, particularly for young people. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, youth unemployment stood at around 44% in 2023 underscoring the scale and urgency of the challenge.At the same time, recent policy developments add a further dimension to this urgency. The President’s initiative to expand access to free tertiary education will, over time, increase the number of graduates entering the labour market each year. This is a positive and important investment in Namibia’s human capital. However, it also underscores the need to ensure that the economy can absorb this growing pipeline of skilled young people. Without corresponding progress on job creation, there is a real risk of increasing numbers of educated but unemployed youth - an outcome that would be deeply frustrating for young people and a missed opportunity for the country.The question is whether we are organised to deliver at that scale.The encouraging news is that Namibia is not short of ideas. The building blocks of job creation are well known - stronger skills systems, support for small and medium enterprises, labour-absorbing sectors, and deeper private sector engagement. Across government, the private sector and development partners, a wide range of initiatives is already underway.Yet the challenge persists - at scale. This suggests that the issue may no longer be the “what,” but the “how.”A central constraint is the absence of a coordinated view of the employment landscape. Despite the number of initiatives in place, there is limited shared tracking of outcomes, limited visibility on what is working, and insufficient alignment to ensure that efforts complement rather than duplicate one another.As a result, promising initiatives are not consistently scaled or replicated, and the collective impact remains below its potential.The risk is not inactivity. The risk is effort that does not translate into impact at scale.At the same time, Namibia’s employment story cannot be told without recognising the role of micro and small enterprises. Across the country, thousands of such businesses sustain livelihoods every day, often outside the formal policy spotlight.Yet many do not survive beyond the first few years. While Namibia-specific data remains limited, evidence from enterprise development studies across Africa, including work by institutions such as the International Finance Corporation and regional SME research suggests that a large proportion of small businesses, often estimated at around 70–80%, do not survive beyond their first five years. This raises an important question: are we creating enterprises, or building businesses that last?If Namibia is to make meaningful progress toward its job creation ambitions, these enterprises must be supported not only to start, but to grow. This requires improved access to finance, stronger business capabilities, and pathways for enterprises to scale and create jobs for others.The question is not only how many enterprises are created, but how many are enabled to grow and contribute to employment at scale.Addressing these challenges will require more than individual programmes. It will require stronger coordination across institutions, clearer accountability for results, and a more deliberate focus on scaling what works.Initiatives such as the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions offer a potential platform to support this shift. The Global Accelerator is a multistakeholder initiative that brings together government, the private sector and development partners around a shared approach to job creation and social protection. At its core is a focus on aligning policies, financing and implementation across sectors, precisely the areas where fragmentation often limits impact. For Namibia this presents an opportunity not to introduce new programmes, but to better connect and scale what already exists with a clear focus on delivery and results.Ultimately, the challenge is not a lack of commitment or effort. It is whether these efforts can be brought together in a way that delivers measurable outcomes.As Namibia looks beyond 35 years of independence, the opportunity is clear - to move from well-intentioned initiatives to a more coordinated and results-driven approach to job creation.Because in the end, the question is not whether we are doing enough.It is whether what we are doing is working
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17 March 2026
Every Drop Counts: Namibia Moves Quickly to Stop Poliovirus Before Paralysis Strikes
WINDHOEK, Namibia in the dusty, sun drenched corridors of Windhoek’s informal settlements and in villages across Namibia, a quiet but urgent mission is underway. It is not a battle fought with weapons, but with tiny lifesaving drops and the trust of communities determined to protect their children.Inside a classroom in Rocky Crest, a bustling neighborhood in Windhoek, the moment appears almost ordinary. A nurse steadies a dropper as a young child tilts their head back. Two drops fall gently onto the child’s tongue. The entire act takes only seconds, yet it protects against a disease that can leave children permanently paralyzed.A young girl swings her feet from a wooden chair while waiting her turn, unaware that the two drops she receives today will help protect her from a virus that once changed the lives of countless families.Behind this simple moment lies a nationwide effort led by Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under a coordinated One United Nations (#OneUN) response to ensure that the poliovirus never reaches a single child in Namibia.For Namibia, acting quickly now means ensuring that a disease once feared by families never returns. A Legacy of Memory, A Future of ProtectionFor many Namibians, the threat of polio is not an abstract concept but a lived memory.At one outreach point, a grandfather watched quietly as his granddaughter received her vaccine drops. He remembered how his own brother had suffered from the disease decades earlier.“History will not repeat itself,” he said softly.This collective memory has become a powerful motivator for parents across Namibia. Families understand that although polio cannot be cured, it is entirely preventable. Trust on the FrontlinesWhile vaccines protect children biologically, the success of the campaign depends just as much on something deeply human: trust.On 27 February 2026, United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo joined monitoring visits with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, WHO, and UNICEF in Windhoek, Khomas region, to observe vaccination activities in informal settlements such as 8ste Laan in Otjomuise, and at schools including Rocky Crest Primary School.The visits revealed the human side of the campaign. Teachers guided health teams through classrooms, caregivers and street vendors asked questions before giving consent, and health workers patiently explained the importance of vaccination.Every dose began with a conversation.“Parents and children are willing, aware and know we are here to help,” said Senior Health Worker Sr. Kapi Rujano, reflecting the confidence communities placed in frontline health teams.Across the country, information travelled through schools, community leaders, radio programmes, cellphones and family networks, helping parents and caregivers understand why multiple vaccination rounds are safe and needed to fully protect children.An Early Warning and a Rapid ResponseThe campaign began with something most people never expected.In October 2025, Namibia’s routine environmental surveillance system detected poliovirus type 2 in a wastewater sample collected at the Ndama sewage pond in Rundu, Kavango East Region. Although no child had developed paralysis, laboratory analysis confirmed that the virus was genetically linked to strains circulating in neighbouring Angola, signaling the risk of cross border transmission.For health authorities, the finding was a critical early warning.Polio spreads mainly through the fecal oral route, particularly in areas where sanitation and hygiene conditions are weak or under pressure. Most infections cause no symptoms, yet the virus can silently circulate until it reaches the individual’s nervous system. According to the World Health Organization, about one in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis, and among those affected, five to ten percent may die if breathing muscles are affected.Because there is no cure once paralysis occurs, prevention through vaccination remains the most effective protection.Acting swiftly, the Ministry of Health and Social Services launched a national vaccination response to close immunity gaps before the virus could spread. Two national vaccination rounds were conducted from 26 to 29 January 2026 and 24 to 27 February 2026, targeting every child under the age of ten years regardless of previous vaccination status. The first round alone reached more than 800,000 children, achieving approximately 91 percent national coverage, while the second round achieved 89 percent coverage. Together, these rounds helped strengthen population immunity and protection across communities.The campaign used the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), a next generation vaccine designed specifically for responding to outbreaks of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus type 2 and developed to be more genetically stable than earlier vaccines.A Coordinated Response Under One United Nations The speed and scale of Namibia’s response demonstrate the strength of partnership between national leadership and international cooperation.The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS) led the vaccination campaign and coordinated national surveillance systems.The World Health Organization (WHO) provided technical guidance, disease surveillance and operational support to track the virus and ensure the response met international standards.The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) supported vaccine procurement, cold chain logistics and community engagement efforts to ensure vaccines safely reached every child while building public confidence in the campaign.Together, these efforts formed a unified response under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a global partnership committed to eliminating polio worldwide.“This campaign is about protecting children before they fall ill,” said United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo. “Through strong national leadership and the collective support of the UN system, Namibia is acting quickly to safeguard a polio free future.”Protecting Children Beyond BordersThe genetic link between the virus detected in Namibia and strains circulating in Angola underscored the importance of regional coordination.In February 2026, Namibia and Angola synchronized vaccination efforts in border areas, aiming to interrupt transmission and protect children on both sides of the border.The coordinated effort reflects a core principle of polio eradication. As long as the virus exists anywhere, children everywhere remain at risk. Every Drop CountsPolio has no cure. Once paralysis occurs, the damage is permanent. Yet Namibia’s rapid response demonstrates how science, strong national leadership and community solidarity can work together to stop the virus before tragedy strikes.These efforts contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, while supporting Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025 to 2029.Across Namibia, health workers continue reaching communities while families bring forward their children for vaccination. With every child protected, the country strengthens the wall of immunity that keeps paralysis out of classrooms and homes.And in this collective effort to safeguard the next generation, one truth remains clear.Every drop counts.
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Story
20 November 2025
Voices of Hope: Namibia Marks 80 Years of the United Nations Through Stories, Art and Shared Aspirations
Windhoek, 23 October 2025 — Namibia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the United Nations with an evening that placed people, lived experience and shared humanity at the centre. Namibia’s commemoration forms part of the global UN80 milestone, marking eight decades of international cooperation and nearly 35 years of partnership since Namibia’s independence. The celebration at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management was organised and artistically directed by the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO), a long-standing UN partner known for using art as a catalyst for social change. The organisation’s contribution extended far beyond event design. OYO’s performers delivered powerful, emotionally resonant pieces that transformed the themes of dignity, equality, and shared humanity into movement, storytelling and visual art. Their performances grounded in real-life experiences of young Namibians deepened the evening’s message, using dance, theatre and creative expression to illuminate the values of the UN Charter in ways that words alone could not.The event opened with reflections of Namibians from across the country, honouring progress, confronting challenges, and imagining a fairer future.Through the short-film series 80 Voices for 80 Years, Namibians spoke candidly about the journey the country has travelled since independence and the role the United Nations played in supporting peace, rights and nation-building. Speakers reflected on how international solidarity and democratic freedoms helped secure independence and laid a foundation for opportunity. They pointed to gains in education and health, especially for young people and rural families, as evidence that hard-won freedoms have translated into improved lives for many. “We have free education now… more opportunities for everybody, especially people in rural areas.” Watch the voices of progress →https://youtu.be/ce4X_5KS3ZI But their reflections were not only celebratory. Many expressed concerns about the risks of losing momentum, warning that without continued commitment to development, inequality could widen and social challenges deepen. Participants spoke about fears around access to quality education, food security and health, particularly for children, rural communities and persons with disabilities. Their messages underscored that progress remains fragile and that sustaining peace and development requires ongoing investment in people and systems. “If quality education is not there, then more poverty will be there and of course there will be an increase in crime.”Hear their concerns and warnings →https://youtu.be/eznES2Lov7Y Hope, however, was the prevailing note. Speakers envisioned a Namibia where every person has the chance to thrive — where poverty is eradicated, schools and hospitals serve all communities, and justice and opportunity are accessible to everyone. They spoke not only of dignity but of empowerment, describing a future where communities are equipped to create their own prosperity and where equality is not aspirational, but lived.“A good justice system means safety and assurance… prisons will be empty, and happiness will prevail across the country.”This reflection was deeply symbolic, suggesting that an empty prison represents far more than the absence of crime. It embodies a vision of a society where people are empowered through decent work, peace, and shared wellbeing, where dignity and opportunity allow every person to thrive.Watch their hopes for the future → https://youtu.be/_PDfTBOlUZo These aspirations set the stage for the evening’s performances, conceptualised and brought to life by the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO). Under OYO’s creative direction, a dynamic mix of young artists and performers used theatre, dance, and film to translate the values of the UN Charter into emotion and movement. The performances echoed themes of belonging, equality, and resilience. Sebito and Chicken celebrated disability, pride and self-determination. Nythen Dien’s “Be a Man” challenged harmful expectations placed on boys and young men, while Roya Diehl’s “Be a Lady” amplified the strength and rights of women and girls. Felicity’s “Dusty Feet” honoured rural dignity and perseverance, and a school choir brought the evening to a close with a stirring call for unity and a brighter tomorrow. Together, these artistic expressions affirmed a simple truth: progress is not measured only in policy frameworks or development plans but in whether every person feels seen, safe, respected and able to build a meaningful life.In her remarks, Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, reflected on Namibia’s historic bond with the United Nations, describing the nation as “a proud product of international solidarity, proof that multilateralism delivers peace, dignity and progress.” She emphasised Namibia’s continued leadership in peace, education, gender equality and climate action, while highlighting the importance of supporting both girls and boys to build a balanced and inclusive future.United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to a people-centred renewal. “The United Nations is evolving, becoming more agile, responsive and accountable. We must remain a living promise for the people whose lives depend on us.” She underscored Namibia’s global role, including its co-facilitation of the Summit of the Future, and emphasised the partnership under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029 as a pathway for inclusive, nationally led development.As the programme concluded, guests remained to share impressions and reflect on the stories, performances and messages that had filled the room. The atmosphere was warm and informal, marked by a sense of pride in how far Namibia has come and clarity about the work still ahead.Rather than looking back alone, the commemoration pointed firmly toward the future. It reminded all present that the story of the United Nations in Namibia is written in classrooms, in communities, in rural settlements and in the aspirations of young people who believe in fairness, dignity and opportunity. It is a story rooted in solidarity and carried forward by hope and determination.The sense of forward momentum was unmistakable, grounded in the belief that young people will shape Namibia’s next chapter, and that progress must reach everyone, everywhere, leaving no one behind.
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13 November 2025
Namibia launches diagnostic of the informal economy and a draft policy framework to facilitate the transition to formality
WINDHOEK, Namibia – A new diagnostic study has quantified Namibia’s informal economy at US$13 billion (PPP) for 2025, accounting for 26.5 per cent of GDP and employing 58 per cent of the national workforce. It reveals that most Namibian informal workers operate without social protection, access to finance, or secure working conditions, with social protection coverage at a stark 0.69 per cent.The comprehensive diagnostic of the informal economy together with a draft policy framework and roadmap to facilitate the transition from the informal to the formal economy was launched by Namibia on 11 November 2025, as part of the Global Accelerator. This launch marked a major step toward strengthening national policy responses for one of the country’s largest economic segments. The conclusion of this work, which was initiated in 2023, provides an evidence base for strengthening policies and institutions supporting informal workers and enterprises. The work to undertake the analysis and develop a policy framework launch was jointly led by the Bank of Namibia, the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, and the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, in collaboration with several government offices, ministries and agencies. The United Nations in Namibia, through the Resident Coordinator’s Office, the ILO, UNDP and UN-Habitat, provided financial and technical support as part of the work under Global Accelerator for Jobs, Social Protection and Just Transitions. Workers’ representatives, employer organisations and informal-economy associations contributed throughout the process. Speaking at the launch which was themed, “Evidence to action for an inclusive economy,” Dr Michael Humavindu, Executive Director of the Ministry of Finance, said, “this sector is not a side economy; it is a pillar of our national life," he added that, "Namibia cannot transition to shared prosperity while half its workforce transitions daily between survival and exclusion." At the same event, Ms Hopolang Phororo, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Namibia, underscored the importance of moving decisively from analysis to delivery. She noted, “Let us commit not just to analysis, but to action. Let us build a Namibia where every job has value, every worker has rights, and no one is left behind.” She emphasized that implementation would define the success of the reforms, adding, “As we embark on the journey of implementing the recommendations of this Diagnostic, together, may courage, clarity and boldness guide us towards coordinated action and pooling of resources.” Three documents were launched. First, the overview report synthesising the national trends, economic contributions and the structural conditions shaping informality. Second, a sectoral analysis report which provides a detailed assessment of informality in Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry, and in Food and Accommodation Services. This report identifies specific drivers, vulnerabilities and productivity constraints, proposing targeted interventions to enhance livelihoods and support a gradual transition to formality. The third document, is the draft policy framework and roadmap which outlines an integrated strategy for formalization between 2026 and 2035, built on eight strategic objectives ranging from reducing decent-work deficits and enhancing social protection to strengthening institutional coordination and promoting inclusive digitalization. The Government and the United Nations, through the Global Accelerator for Jobs, Social Protection and Just Transition will now move to the implementation of the plan of action - outlined in the roadmap and draft policy framework, ensuring that reforms translate into stronger protections, expanded economic opportunities and more resilient livelihoods.
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Press Release
29 April 2025
UN Namibia Mourns Loss of Young Girls and Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Child Protection
Violence against girls and humanity is unacceptable under any circumstances and must be addressed with the full force of the law. The UN calls for thorough, prompt, impartial and independent investigations to ensure accountability and prevent such acts from happening again. These acts of violence against children represent a profound violation of their fundamental rights and underscores the importance of continuing to strengthen protective measures for all children. As a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Namibia must uphold its obligations to prevent unlawful killings, protect the best interest of the child, including protection from all harm, prevent discrimination and gender-based violence, and hold perpetrators to account.The loss of any child is devastating as it tears at the very fabric of society. Every child has the fundamental right to live in safety, dignity and peace. Protecting these rights must remain a shared priority.“We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of 15-year old Beyoncé !Kharuxas, 5-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp, and 6-year-old Rosalind Dinelao Fabian, a national tragedy that must strengthen our resolve to protect all children,” said Ms. Hopolang Phororo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia. “The protection of our children must be a non-negotiable priority. We owe it to every child, every parent, and every future generation to act with courage and urgency. The UN in Namibia stands ready to support national efforts and encourages enhanced and coordinated action to prevent and respond to violence against children.”UN Namibia encourages an urgent and compassionate collective national response to ensure every child is supported and protected. Strengthening Namibia’s child protection systems is vital to ensure that services are adequately funded, easily accessible, and effectively responsive. This also includes enhancing access to justice for affected children and their families by expediting investigations and legal processes. Furthermore, increasing investment in violence prevention and psychosocial support, especially at the community level remains a key priority. Promoting education and awareness within communities is equally important, empowering all members of society to safeguard the wellbeing of every child. Violence against children must never be accepted as inevitable. This is also an opportunity for Government to implement recommendations received from various UN human rights treaties which focus on enhancing community support, male engagement, and awareness programs, while also building capacity among healthcare workers, police, judiciary, and civil society to tackle gender-based violence; addressing the root causes of child abandonment and ensuring children's rights to life, survival, and development; and the need for prompt, impartial investigations into violence against women, prosecuting and punishing perpetrators appropriately, and training police, prosecutors, and judges on gender-based violence issues.The UN Namibia stands in solidarity with the families of Beyoncé, Ingrid, and Rosalind during this time of profound grief. We call for a swift, coordinated and urgent national response that leaves no child behind. We reaffirm our commitment to the Government of the Republic of Namibia and all stakeholders to create safer environments for every child. Justice must be delivered swiftly and fairly, upholding the human rights and dignity of every victim.The UN remains committed to supporting Namibia’s efforts in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 5: Gender Equality, and implementation with its human rights obligations. We recognize that ending violence against women and girls must begin with protection them from their earliest years.
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Press Release
04 February 2025
UN SDG Book Club African Chapter Celebrates World Read Aloud Day with Global Read-a-thon
The Power of Reading AloudWorld Read Aloud Day, observed annually on February 5th, emphasizes the significance of reading aloud and sharing stories to foster literacy, empathy, and community building. This day holds particular importance in Africa, where access to reading materials can be limited, and literacy rates vary greatly across the continent.Empowering African ChildrenBy celebrating World Read Aloud Day, the UN SDG Book Club African Chapter aims to inspire a love for reading and storytelling centered around sustainability concerns among African children. Reading aloud has the power to bridge cultural divides, preserve heritage, and foster a sense of shared humanity.Partnering Schools Across the GlobeThe UN SDG Book Club African Chapter is delighted to partner with the following schools worldwide:1. Islamic Day Secondary School - Ibadan, Nigeria2. Banana Island International School - Lagos, Nigeria3. Nature-Nurtured Basic Academy Chukuku - Abuja, Nigeria4. Holy Family Languages School for Girls - Cairo, Egypt5. Saint Fatima Language School - Cairo, Egypt6. Chrisland Schools Group - Lagos, Abuja, Nigeria7. Beehive School - Lagos, Nigeria8. Mohammed El-Sheikh Preparatory School - Casablanca, Morocco9. Bal Bhavan Public School - East Delhi, India10. Mount Abu Public School - North West Delhi, India11. Maharaja Aggarsain Adarsh Public School - New Delhi, India12. Maharaja Agrasen Model School - New Delhi, IndiaSaluting Young AmbassadorsWe salute the participating children for their enthusiasm and dedication to reading and promoting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These young ambassadors are helping to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.About the UN SDG Book Club African ChapterOur mission is to promote literacy, foster a love for reading, and inspire action towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among African children ages 6-12. We also showcase Special Collections of selected books addressing sustainability themes for young adults and adults.Join the Celebration!Starting from 12 noon on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, selected video highlights from the read-a-thon will be published on:- Ambassador Schools Program website: sdgafricaambassadorschools.com -YouTube channel: UN SDG Book Club African Chapter Follow us on social media for promotions:- Facebook: Borders Book Reviews and Nigeria Volunteers Network- Instagram: Borders_Book_Reviews- Twitter: @sdg_book_clubWe look forward to sharing the joy of reading with you!
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Press Release
24 October 2024
UN Calls for Commitment to Agenda 2030 and beyond, as Namibia Prepares for the 2025-2029 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
Last month, the Pact for the Future was adopted at the United Nations General Assembly, providing a renewed vision for multilateralism aimed at addressing global challenges and delivering on promises for a better future.In Namibia, the United Nations is ushering in a new era of development cooperation with the launch of the 2025-2029 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), which succeeds the 2019-2024 United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF). Reflecting on lessons learned from the previous framework, much progress was made in social transformation—such as in health, education, and gender-based violence—less was achieved in environmental governance, economic transformation, and governance outcomes. These areas, require a concerted push for greater impact under the new UNSDCF.Tackling inequality in an integrated manner and placing people at the centre of the work the UN does with an emphasis on young people is the overarching goal. This requires concrete actions to move beyond rhetoric and meaningfully engage young people in the implementation. Central to the 2025-2029 UNSDCF is a renewed focus on addressing persistent issues such as gender-based violence, rising teenage pregnancies, increasing unemployment, and the challenges of drought and floods. These issues, which continue to affect Namibia’s population, remain key priorities for the next phase of collaboration between the UN and Namibia.The UNSDCF 2025-2029 prioritizes four key areas:Effective Governance and Public Service Delivery: Strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting transparency.Economic Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience: Supporting economic diversification, job creation, and SME growth for inclusive economic development.Sustainable Development and Green Growth Opportunities: Promoting sustainable natural resource management and strengthening climate resilience.Human Development and Community Resilience: Improving access to quality healthcare, education, and social protection services to ensure no one is left behind.These areas of focus are closely aligned with Namibia’s national priorities outlined in the forthcoming Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and the Vision 2030. In this new framework, young people and marginalized communities will remain central to all development efforts. The UN aims to create more inclusive opportunities for youth participation in the economy and decision-making processes, while ensuring that women, rural populations, and people with disabilities are not left behind.The UN, while not a financing institution, has provided critical technical expertise, evidence-based solutions, and pilot programmes supported by catalytic funds. The UNSDCF emphasizes the need for greater coordination among UN agencies, and strengthening partnerships with government bodies, civil society, the private sector, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to achieve more significant, sustainable results. Leveraging the comparative advantages of each partner and fostering collaboration rather than competition will be essential to driving progress.The Pact for the Future provides a global framework for supporting national priorities and acceleration towards the SDGs. The UNSDCF 2025-2029 underscores the UN’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s development objectives in the lead-up to 2030 and beyond.
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Press Release
11 October 2024
UN and Government of Namibia Join Forces to Address Drought Crisis Amid El Niño
This initiative aims to deliver immediate assistance to vulnerable communities complementing other interventions to build long-term resilience. This funding decision by the United Nations CERF follows the visit of the Office of the ASG/Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niňo / La Niňa Response, Ms. Reena Ghelani, and the OCHA Regional Office in July 2024. The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Hopolang Phororo, and the ASG/Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niňo / La Niňa Response, Ms. Ghelani, advocated for UN support at regional and global level, as well as from development partners.
Namibia is currently facing one of its most severe droughts, influenced by the El Niño climate pattern, which has significantly impacted agriculture and food security across the nation. This crisis threatens the livelihoods of communities, particularly in the Omaheke, Kavango East, and Kavango West regions, which are classified as Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) 4, indicating an emergency in terms of food insecurity.
The United Nations, with the Government of Namibia, has mobilized US$3 million in response to this urgent need, leveraging the CERF. This funding, coordinated through the UN and OPM partnership, aims to complement the government’s Drought Response Plan to scale up lifesaving interventions to reach extremely vulnerable households in the most severely drought-affected locations in Kavango West, Kavango East, and Omaheke Regions.
The UN intervention will be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for six months. The total number of people directly targeted is approximately 163,000 across the following sectors: food assistance; nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and protection from gender-based violence.
The UN will oversee the implementation in collaboration with OPM, national, and local partners to ensure the effective distribution of food and services to those in most need. These efforts not only address the immediate crisis but also lays the foundation for long-term resilience, focusing on strengthening local supply chains, enhancing nutritional knowledge, and building community feedback mechanisms.
The integrated approach is designed to ensure accountability and transparency, with monitoring mechanisms established to protect the rights of affected communities and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Namibia is currently facing one of its most severe droughts, influenced by the El Niño climate pattern, which has significantly impacted agriculture and food security across the nation. This crisis threatens the livelihoods of communities, particularly in the Omaheke, Kavango East, and Kavango West regions, which are classified as Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) 4, indicating an emergency in terms of food insecurity.
The United Nations, with the Government of Namibia, has mobilized US$3 million in response to this urgent need, leveraging the CERF. This funding, coordinated through the UN and OPM partnership, aims to complement the government’s Drought Response Plan to scale up lifesaving interventions to reach extremely vulnerable households in the most severely drought-affected locations in Kavango West, Kavango East, and Omaheke Regions.
The UN intervention will be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for six months. The total number of people directly targeted is approximately 163,000 across the following sectors: food assistance; nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and protection from gender-based violence.
The UN will oversee the implementation in collaboration with OPM, national, and local partners to ensure the effective distribution of food and services to those in most need. These efforts not only address the immediate crisis but also lays the foundation for long-term resilience, focusing on strengthening local supply chains, enhancing nutritional knowledge, and building community feedback mechanisms.
The integrated approach is designed to ensure accountability and transparency, with monitoring mechanisms established to protect the rights of affected communities and promote sustainable livelihoods.
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Press Release
25 November 2022
Labour Migration Governance Key to Protecting Migrant Workers in Southern Africa
The President of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Mnagwanga will officially open the high-level conference which seeks to find ways to foster fair and effective labour migration governance and the protection of migrant workers in Southern Africa. Led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the High-Level Tripartite Dialogue is a culmination of activities and research organised by the Southern African Migration Management (SAMM) Project to identify priorities at the national level and advance in the implementation of country-level labour migration policies and action plans in the SADC region.
It is designed to improve migration management in the Southern African and Indian Ocean region guided by, and contributing to the realisation of, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda goal 8 on decent work and economic growth and goal 10 on reducing inequality and Objective 6 of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) to Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work.
Since almost half of all migrant workers in the SADC region are women, the conference will spotlight the importance of labour migration policies to be gender-responsive and evidence-based. For many women, as for men, migration can represent a positive experience and have important emancipating and empowering impacts.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA, year ), the feminization of migration has reached significant levels in the Southern African region with 47 per cent of all migrants being female.
But often female migrants are confronted with gender specific disadvantages and vulnerability in the migration process and in their employment. Women workers, especially young female migrants, often end up in situations of double or even triple discrimination, disadvantage, marginalization and vulnerability (including violence and harassment as well as forced labour.
“Maximizing the benefits of labour migration and minimizing the risks and social costs requires sound and effective labour migration governance,” said Ms. Hopalong Phororo, ILO Director for ILO Country Office for Zimbabwe and Namibia. “Expert studies and data show that migration, particularly labour migration, is an important enabler and beneficiary of regional integration and economic development in Africa.”
Across the world, migration is largely linked to the search for a job and better wages, and even if employment is not the primary driver, it usually features in the migration process at some point. In Southern Africa, as in many parts of the world, migrants face prejudice, intolerance and stigmatization in their workplaces and communities.
“It is necessary to advocate for improved migration management in Southern Africa, as a pivotal approach to addressing the challenges of migration, and ensuring that migration has a positive outcome for the country, migrants, and the members of their families”, said Mr. Ashraf El Nour, IOM Regional Director for Southern Africa.
The Southern African region has had a long history of intra-regional migration. All Member States of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) are involved in labour migration flows as countries of origin, transit, or destination and often they play the three roles at the same time.
In the SADC region, migrant workers are present in agriculture, fishing, mining, construction, food processing, domestic work, caregiving, cleaning, restaurants-hotels, transportation and retail trade.
The two day conference will promote fair, ethical and effective labour migration governance through tripartism that brings Ministries of Labour/Employment, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, as well as workers’ and employers’ organisations and social dialogue particularly in the development of rights-based, gender-sensitive and evidence-based labour migration legislation and policies, taking account of labour market needs.
The conference will assess labour migration governance progress so far, gaps and challenges as well as main opportunities to consider in the SADC region. It will also identify tripartite constituents’ labour migration governance priority areas of collaboration, share existing and proposed good practices and recommendations and mention current roles and contributions. It will also provide a platform to tripartite partners to re-organise and re-strategize on labour migration governance in Southern Africa
About the SAMM Project
The SAMM Project is a United Nations Multi-Agency programme composed of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The European Union is supporting and funding the implementation of the project.
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20 August 2025
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20 August 2025
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