Standard Bank Namibia has expanded its support for affordable housing in the Okalongo community through its 2026 Buy a Brick community outreach initiative, delivered in partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN), regional authorities and corporate partners including Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) Namibia.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to improve access to safe and decent housing for low-income households, with 63 houses completed in Okalongo to date and a further eight currently under construction.
Of these, 15 homes were delivered through the Buy a Brick initiative, while the remainder were built through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
In addition, 234 plots have been developed to support future low-cost housing projects.
Standard Bank Namibia Outapi Branch Manager Emeritha Iita said the programme demonstrates the impact of collaboration between communities, government and the private sector.
“Buy a Brick represents the power of partnership. When communities, government and the private sector come together, we create real change. The homes built here in Okalongo are a testament to what collaboration can achieve,” Iita said.
Iita also congratulated the community on Okalongo’s recent proclamation as a Village Council, describing the development as an important milestone expected to unlock further economic opportunity and development in the area.
Omusati Region Governor Immanuel Shikongo said access to decent housing plays a critical role in improving social outcomes, particularly for children in rural communities. He said secure housing provides a safe and conducive environment for learning and personal development, while participation by government leaders in construction activities reinforces a shared commitment to inclusive development.
Since its launch in 2015, the Buy a Brick initiative has raised more than N$27 million, enabling the construction of over 740 homes for low-income families across Namibia. Through its community-driven model, the SDFN has facilitated the construction of more than 7,000 brick houses, benefiting over 30,000 Namibians.
In the latest funding cycle, Standard Bank contributed N$3.5 million raised in 2024, supporting the construction of 76 additional homes in the Erongo and Omaheke regions. Staff-led fundraising initiatives also contributed nearly N$1 million towards the programme.
Speaking on behalf of CDH Namibia, Inonge Mainga highlighted the scale of Namibia’s housing challenge, noting a national backlog estimated at around 300,000 housing units and that nearly 29% of urban households live in informal settlements. She called for accelerated land allocation processes and reduced administrative delays to improve housing delivery nationwide.
Standard Bank said it remains committed to working with the newly established Okalongo Village Council and local leadership to support access to financial services, economic participation and sustainable community development.
“Growth does not happen in boardrooms; it happens here – on the ground, where communities show resilience, unity, and possibility,” Iita said. “Namibia is our home; we drive her growth.”
