Standard Bank Namibia’s Buy-a-Brick initiative has raised more than N$27 million and supported the construction of over 740 affordable houses across Namibia since its launch in 2015, as the country continues to grapple with a shortage of affordable housing.
The bank disclosed the figures during the handover of 15 houses in Onandjaba, Omusati Region, which formed part of a larger housing project that delivered 84 homes to low-income families.
The latest houses were funded through proceeds from Standard Bank’s annual Corporate and Investment Banking Padel for Purpose event, with financial support from Old Mutual Namibia and Ninety One Namibia.
Established in partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and the Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG), the Buy-a-Brick initiative was launched to mobilise private-sector funding for affordable housing development.
Standard Bank Namibia’s Outapi Branch Manager, Emeritha Iita, said the initiative had demonstrated the role of corporate partnerships and community participation in expanding access to housing.
“Housing is about far more than bricks and mortar. It is about dignity, security, stability and opportunity. Every home handed over today represents a family moving from uncertainty to greater security and a stronger foundation for the future,” Iita said.
She said the programme brought together businesses, civil society organisations and communities to address housing challenges facing low-income households.
The Onandjaba project involved beneficiaries directly in construction activities, including brickmaking, trench digging, transporting building materials and building work.
According to the bank, the approach enabled communities to participate in developing their own homes while supporting the delivery of affordable housing.
Omusati Governor Immanuel Shishiweni Shikongo, who officiated at the handover, said partnerships between government, the private sector and communities were necessary to accelerate housing delivery.
He said the initiative aligned with the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which prioritises improved living standards, inclusive development and stronger communities.
“Projects such as this speak directly to the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan, which seeks to improve the quality of life of Namibians through inclusive development, stronger communities and sustainable livelihoods,” Shikongo said.
He added that cooperation between government, businesses and communities could help address housing shortages while improving living conditions for low-income families.
Iita said Standard Bank remained committed to supporting housing development through partnerships that mobilise resources and involve communities in construction.
The bank said the latest handover formed part of its continuing efforts to expand access to affordable housing and support national development priorities.
