Standard Bank Namibia says it has provided more than 743 homes to low-income families since the launch of its Buy-a-Brick initiative in 2015.
The milestone follows the recent handover of 15 newly built houses in Okongo, a project carried out in partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN).
Magreth Mengo, Standard Bank Namibia’s Head of Marketing, Communication, Sponsorship, and CSI, said the initiative offers more than just shelter.
“This is not just a handover. It is a handover of opportunity. A handover of peace of mind. And a handover of pride, from temporary shelter to permanent belonging,” she said.
Reflecting on the importance of home ownership, Mengo added: “There is something profoundly sacred about a home. It is where stories are passed down, where children grow up dreaming, and where parents finally exhale, knowing their family is safe.”
Mengo praised the strong partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, describing it as central to the success of the initiative.
“None of this would have been possible without the enduring partnership between Standard Bank Namibia, the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. Their collaboration has enabled the delivery of sustainable housing solutions across the country, including in underserved regions like Okongo,” she said.
The Buy-a-Brick initiative was introduced as a response to the country’s housing backlog. It allows individuals and organisations to contribute by donating the cost equivalent of a single brick, with proceeds going towards building affordable homes for those living in informal settlements.
Since its inception, the initiative has raised over N$26.4 million, supported by contributions from Standard Bank employees, corporate partners, and the bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) budget.
