The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has committed more than N$78 million through its Social Investment Fund (NSIF), with N$58.2 million already disbursed across all 14 regions of the country.
Namport Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kanime said the Fund prioritises initiatives in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.
“These numbers are not just transactions; they represent roofs over classes, lives changed, clinics built and strengthened, and communities empowered,” said Kanime.
As part of a shift in strategy, Namport will now allocate 1% of its annual revenue to corporate social investment (CSI), replacing the previous model of contributing 3% of profit before tax.
According to Kanime, the change aims to ensure consistent funding for community development, regardless of fluctuations in profit.
“Why do we continue to guarantee our salaries even when our companies are not doing well, yet we cannot guarantee investments in our communities at all times despite such communities having allowed us to operate within their backyard?” he asked.
For the 2025/26 financial year, Namport has increased its CSI budget to N$19 million, up from an average of N$3 million annually.
In addition, the port authority has amended its procurement policy to encourage suppliers to contribute 1% of their contract values to the NSIF, a move that could generate up to N$10 million per year.
“This will enable us to provide comfort to our suppliers and service providers that the contributions they will be making to the NSIF will be put to good use and will not end up in Namport’s kitty for its operations,” Kanime said.
Namport also plans to implement a local ownership requirement for port land allocations and leases.
The policy will require 30% shareholding by Previously Disadvantaged Namibians and 51% Namibian ownership overall.
“To our recipients this evening, with about N$23 million in funding entrusted to your organisations, you carry with you the hopes and aspirations of many in this country,” Kanime added.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare welcomed Namport’s enhanced commitment to social investment, describing it as essential for national development and business sustainability.
“We cannot prosper in an ocean of poverty. Businesses cannot thrive in a failing society. Social responsibility is not charity; it is an investment in our future and the sustainability of our businesses,” he said.
Ngurare praised the increase in CSI funding as a “leap of hope” that would benefit communities across the country.
“You have grown this commitment from N$3 million to now N$19 million. Mathematically, that is a significant leap. It is a leap of hope, one that brings smiles to villages, informal settlements, and most importantly, to the lives of our people,” he said.
He further urged public enterprises, private companies, and civil society to collaborate in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.
“Corporate Social Investment initiatives create ripple effects. They empower communities, stimulate economic growth, and foster social cohesion. By supporting education, we equip our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed,” said Ngurare.
