Thirty-five low-income families in Okahandja, Okongo and Opuwo are set to receive new homes this year under Standard Bank Namibia’s Buy-a-Brick Initiative, backed by a N$2.5 million investment.
The housing programme has already delivered 15 houses in Okongo and four in the Oshetu 1 community of Okahandja, while another 16 homes are earmarked for handover in Opuwo.
The latest handover saw four Okahandja families receive keys to newly constructed homes, bringing the number of houses delivered under the programme so far this year to 19.
The initiative is implemented by Standard Bank Namibia in partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) and the Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG), targeting affordable housing for low-income households.
The four Okahandja houses were supported by Vivo Energy Namibia, BodyWise, Standard Bank Private Bank and Ninety One Namibia.
Standard Bank Namibia Executive Officer for Corporate and Investment Banking Nelson Lucas said the programme demonstrates how partnerships between businesses and community organisations can contribute to addressing Namibia’s housing needs.
“Today is not simply about handing over houses. It is about creating a place where families can build their futures with greater security and peace of mind. A home provides a foundation from which people can pursue opportunities, support their children and plan for the years ahead,” Lucas said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Special Advisor Boniface Mutumba said Namibia’s housing challenge requires coordinated action from government, businesses, local authorities, civil society and communities.
He described housing as a national priority requiring urgent intervention and commended the partners for directing resources towards vulnerable households.
SDFN and NHAG have been central to the programme through community-led housing initiatives, including savings groups, collective action and self-help construction models aimed at making housing accessible to low-income Namibians.
“As Standard Bank, we remain committed to initiatives that create measurable impact and contribute to stronger communities across Namibia. Through programmes such as Buy-a-Brick, we continue to support solutions that improve lives and create positive change where it matters most,” Lucas said.
Once the 16 Opuwo houses are handed over, the programme will have delivered 35 homes across the three communities during 2026.
