Bank Windhoek has processed the first live government grant payments on Namibia’s national instant payment network, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise public-sector payments and expand financial inclusion.
The first batch of Government-to-Person (G2P) payments was made to beneficiaries under the Marginalised Beneficiaries grant category on 17 June 2026, with funds made available to recipients in near real time through the instant payment system.
The rollout follows Bank Windhoek’s certification as part of the first group of financial institutions participating in the Instant Payment Programme (IPP).
The bank said the successful transaction demonstrates the practical implementation of Namibia’s National Payment System modernisation strategy and positions the country among the early adopters of Unified Payment Interface-enabled payment technology outside India.
The initiative is expected to improve access to government services and reduce reliance on cash, particularly among underserved and previously unbanked communities.
Bank Windhoek Managing Director James Chapman said the successful implementation highlighted the role technology can play in improving service delivery.
“The successful controlled go-live implementation of G2P payments demonstrates how innovation can enhance service delivery, improve accessibility and advance financial inclusion. It reinforces Bank Windhoek’s commitment to shaping the future of payments in Namibia while delivering solutions that create tangible value for the people we serve,” Chapman said.
Government grant payments are financial assistance funds distributed by government authorities to individuals, businesses or organisations.
According to the bank, the implementation represents the first live use case delivered by Bank Windhoek on the national instant payment infrastructure.
The bank plans to expand the service to additional government grant categories in the coming months while continuing the broader rollout of instant payment services to individuals, businesses, merchants and other participants in the payments ecosystem.
Bank Windhoek Chief Financial Officer Zenaune Kamberipa, who also chairs the Instant Payment Programme, said the achievement marks an important step in the modernisation of Namibia’s payments infrastructure.
“Bank Windhoek is honoured to contribute to the modernisation of Namibia’s payments ecosystem through this historic achievement,” Kamberipa said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Bank of Namibia, Instant Payment Namibia and implementation partners Finacus Solutions and Change Logic, whose collaboration helped deliver the project.
