The Institute of People Management (IPM) Namibia has announced that it will co-host the 5th Annual Africa’s Professionals HR Bootcamp in March 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to IPM Namibia, the partnership with Higherway Academy forms part of its efforts to develop HR professionals who are equipped to respond to changing workplace demands across the continent. The Bootcamp will run in parallel with the Africa HR Bodies Dialogue, a platform designed to strengthen collaboration on professional standards, people development and the future of work in Africa.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of IPM Namibia’s 15th Annual Conference at the Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek, held under the theme “Elevating HR: 15 Years of Purpose, Power and Progress.”
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel, who delivered the keynote address, said HR professionals must help “restore humanity in Namibian workplaces” and ensure ethical and inclusive work environments that support economic growth.
The conference drew more than 100 HR and leadership experts from Namibia and across Africa, including Memory Nguwi, Dr Jerry Gule, Pepe Minambo, Yangeni Chendela, Desmond Nikanor, Theopolina Machoko, Julia Muetudhana, Linus Gwala and Jacob Orange. IPM Namibia said discussions focused on digital transformation, human-centred leadership, employee wellness and talent development in a shifting labour market.
A key highlight, the organisation said, was the induction of new and existing corporate members, including NUST, MTC, NamPost, MVA Fund, NORED and NamRA, reflecting a unified commitment to advancing HR excellence in Namibia.
IPM Namibia Chief Executive Lisa Matomola presented the organisation’s 2026 Annual Plan, which she said will prioritise initiatives such as an AI HR Masterclass, a Women in HR event, International Human Resources Day celebrations, enhanced HR certifications and strengthened governance structures.
The conference also honoured top performers in the profession through the HR Excellence Awards. Winners included Sebulon Chicalu as CEO of the Year, Linus Gwala as HR Executive of the Year and Theopolina Machoko as HR Business Partner of the Year. IPM Namibia said the Bank of Namibia received the HR Centre of Excellence Award, while NUST’s WIL Department was recognised as the organisation employing the most interns. The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, Water and Land Reform was honoured for employing the most people with disabilities. The Zambezi Girl Child Foundation received the Humanitarian Award and Gabriel Wakalenda was named Social Inspirational Award recipient.
IPM Namibia said the conference marked an important milestone as the organisation continues to promote professional HR leadership and its role in nation-building.
