InFocus Namibia - September 2024

InFocus NAMIBIA SEPTEMBER, 2024

AN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW

YOUTH SKILLS

Scan Me!

ISSN 2026-9080

THE CREATIVE YOUTH

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY LANDSCAPE

About Us

Our Services:

RDJ Consulting is a 100% Namibian Energy and Sustainability Consultancy with more than 30 years’ experience in the utility (Water, Energy and Telecoms), rural development and transport sectors. ​Our experience as an integrated professional services firm that builds better communities through planning, design, and delivery of physical and social infrastructure helps support our clients in all aspects going forward.

We approach each of our clients with fresh eyes to develop customized, unique strategies.

RDJ Consulting based in Windhoek, Namibia has extensive experience in Southern Africa, Asia, Britain, USA and the Caribbean. We thus work with various governments and agencies to address development issues in developing countries.

Advisory Services

Market Data & Studies

Due Diligence

Training

Contact us TEL: +264 81 750 3002

info@rdjconsulting.co.za

www.rdjconsulting.co.za

CONTENTS EDITION: SEPTEMBER 2024

4

FROM THE EDITOR

5

QUICK FACTS

6

KEY DATES

7

FUEL PRICES

9

ENERGY SECTOR

16

WATER

19

SPOTLIGHT

21

TENDERS

Namibia Solar Energy Production World Bank Group: Unifies Services with New Joint Resident Representative’s Appointment NamPower signs EPC Contract for Namibia’s largest Solar PV Plant.

Media Statement: Electricity and Energy Committee Briefed on Koeberg and Nuclear New Build Programme

Namibia to Home another Desalination Plant in Erongo Region Namibia Dam Levels Update

Spotlight on Ms. Thubaelihle Sibanda

22 PRESS RELEASES 35

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

From The Editor The Creative Youth will help reduce unemployment. The cooperative approach of public and private sector players is crucial in this by contributing capital and expertise to support efforts in fostering sustainable, youth-oriented programs with tangible economic returns.

In this edition, we seized a unique approach and spotlight youth organizations implementing skills development programs and showcase some of their impressive work. Our researchers have also delved into key national economic projects, such as the unification of services by the World Bank Group and the appointment of Namibia’s new Joint Resident Representative, the NamPower EPC Contract for Namibia’s soon to be largest solar PV plant, and of course the well needed Desalination plant in Erongo by the national water utility corporation.

Dear Reader, Welcome to another edition of InFocus Namibia!

Namibia’s youth now hold the key to unlocking the nation's economic transformation and development. With a young population of approximately 2.3 million people as of the latest Census, aged between 0 and 39, out of a total population of 3.02 million, the country stands poised to activate and leverage this demographic advantage. To do so, it is clear that there is a need for investments in education at all levels—primary, secondary, tertiary, and vocational to ensure consistent and quality education across all regions.

Beyond education, both public and private sector resources must be mobilized to promote and stabilize the entrepreneurial ecosystem, keeping it attractive to the youth while encouraging rapid innovation. Equally vital to Namibia’s transformation is the creative industry. By promoting arts and related fields, youth may follow other paths and can channel their creativity into projects and pursue opportunities in the creative economy.

A fully functional ecosystem that integrates various youth skill sets This report is a FREE Publication written and authored through collaboration with RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia.

The content is collected from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

We thus hope you find this edition informative and encourage you to follow and engage with us on all our social media accounts as we continue to explore and discuss these vital issues.

As always, the conversation infocus@rdjpublishing.africa .

continues

at

Yours, editor@rdjpublishing.africa (David A. Jarrett) Editor

Authors RDJ Researchers

NOTE 1: We welcome letters and articles from readers globally and require that you provide your full details such as name, current address and contact phone/WhatsApp number as well as email. We however reserve the right to amend, modify or reject submissions. You may also request that your details be withheld from publication.

NOTE 2: InFocus Namibia is published monthly and is FREE to Readers. The magazine is paid for by advertising and the research support from RDJ Consulting Services CC, Windhoek, Namibia RDJ Publishing (Pty) Ltd is the publishing home of the InFocus Namibia, written and authored through the collaboration with RDJ Consulting Services CC (www.rdjconsulting.co.za).

PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA Telephone +264 81 750 3010 Email info@rdjpublishing.africa WEBSITE www.rdjpublishing.africa

RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.

Quick Facts

N A M I B I A POPULATION 3,022,401.00 SIZE Male

1,474,224.00

89%

33.4%

LITERACY RATE (15+ YEARS) (2011)

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (2018)

Female

1,548,177.00

YOUTH SKILLS (2023)

151 359

0.56

7.50

GDP CONSTANT 2015 PRICES (N$ million) (2023)

GINI COEFFICIENT (2023)

REPO RATE (Aug 2024)

2,341,946 NAMIBIA POPULATION BETWEEN 0-39 YEARS

EDUCATIONAL FACILITY TYPE COMBINED

632

PREPRIMARY

19

PRIMARY

1064

SECONDARY

223

SPECIAL

14

TECHNICAL

2

TERTIARY

20

VOCATIONAL

73

11.25

4.40

PRIME LENDING RATE (Aug 2024)

INFLATION (CPI)

632 MW ELECTRICITY DEMAND AT PEAK (2023)

3,856,000 GWh TOTAL ELECTRICITY UNITS SOLD

Local Energy Generation (%)

42%

Energy Imports (%)

58%

SOURCE: RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC

Key Dates AUTHOR: Albertina Shigwedha Research and Writing Intern @ RDJ Consulting

Bank of Namibia: Monetary Policy Announcement Dates Date

Announcement

23 October 2024

Monetary Policy Announcement

4 December 2024

Monetary Policy Announcement

Monetary Policy Announcement-August (Published 14 August 2024)

7.50 %

repo rate

Namibia Statistics Agency: Consumer Price Index-CPI 2024 Announcement Dates Date

Document

08 October 2024

Consumer Price Index (CPI), September 2024

07 November 2024

Consumer Price Index (CPI), October 2024

05 December 2024

Consumer Price Index (CPI), November 2024

Annual Inflation Rate-August (Published 10 September 2024)

4.40% Inflation rate

Monthly Inflation Rate 2024 6.00% 5.00%

5.40%

4.00%

5.00%

4.50%

4.80%

4.90%

4.60%

4.60%

3.00%

4.40%

2.00% 1.00% 0.00%

06

Jan-24

Feb-24

Mar-24

Apr-24

May-24

Jun-24

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Jul-24

Aug-24

InFocus NAMIBIA AN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW

Fuel Prices September 2024 Fuel Prices Update

NAMIBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

ANGOLA

Petrol

Diesel

Effective as of 04 September 2024

Effective as of 04 SEptember 2024

N$ 21.00/ US$ 1.17

N$ 20.47/ US$ 1.14

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Effective as of 02 September 2024

Effective as of 02 September 2024

R 21.80/ US$ 1.22

R 22.11/ US$ 1.24

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Effective as of 02 September 2024

Effective as of 02 September 2024

Kz 300.00/ US$ 0.32

Kz 200.00/ US$ 0.21

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Effective as of 02 September 2024

Effective as of 02 September 2024

₦ 770.54/ US$ 0.48

NIGERIA

BOTSWANA

₦ 1,379.48/ US$ 0.86

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Effective as of 02 September 2024

Effective as of 02 September 2024

P 15.82/

US$ 1.18

P 15.89/ US$ 1.19

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

The US$ equivalent refers to current exchange rates (September 2024) Data Source: www.mme.gov.na, theglobaleconomy.com

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REACH THE GLOBE. ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY! EMAIL: info@rdjpublishing.africa TEL: +264 81 750 3010

SCAN & SHARE A COPY

Energy Sector Namibia Solar Energy Production Solar energy is abundant in Namibia. These are the modelled amounts of MWh’s of energy that can be produced by 100 MWp of solar photovoltaic (solar panels) if they were installed in the central areas of Namibia.

What these graphs teach us is the quantity and pattern of production that can be expected if such a plant existed.

Solar Production 2024 (month to-date)

PVGis 11,969.00

16,081.76

PVGis 11,129.00

January 2024 February 2024 14,871.40

March 2024 April 2024

PVGis 9,873.00

May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024

PVGis 9,597.00

15,329.85

12,735.20

14,717.95

September 2024

Assumed MWh’s of electricity production by month.

SOURCE: RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC

World Bank Group: Unifies Services with New Joint Resident Representative’s Appointment AUTHOR: Grace Kangotue Chief Researcher/Economist @ RDJ Consulting

Courtesy: World Bank https://pressroom.ifc.org/all/pages/PressDetail.aspx?ID=28360

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n a strategic move to streamline operations and foster greater collaboration, the World Bank Group has announced the appointment of Mariama Cire Sylla as

the new Joint Resident Representative for Namibia. This transition, effective from 1 October 2024, will unify the mandates of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) under a single office.

The World Bank Group highlighted the significance of this change, noting that a centralized point of contact will enhance the institution's ability to offer its full range of products and services, enabling it to tackle global challenges more effectively and accelerate development in Namibia with greater “speed, efficiency, and impact”.

Ms. Sylla, who brings over 18 years of experience in trade, commercial strategy, private sector development, and finance across Africa, Europe, and the United States, is wellsuited for the role. Since joining the World Bank Group in 2014, she has successfully led initiatives focused on fostering private sector development and creating jobs in Africa. Her extensive background positions her to drive Namibia's development forward, leveraging the unified approach of the World Bank Group.

Commenting on her new role, Ms. Sylla expressed enthusiasm, saying, "Namibia is a country brimming with potential and offers excellent development opportunities across sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, and housing." She added, "I look forward to working with partners in the country and implementing the new, unified World Bank Group approach, which will enable us to support impactful projects for the people of Namibia in an integrated, holistic manner."

The World Bank Group noted that the introduction of joint country representation is an important step towards building a stronger World Bank Group. Namibia is one of 21 World Bank Group offices transitioning to a single World Bank Group Country Manager or Resident Representative for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

This move solidifies the World Bank Group actions in the country, coming on the heels of the first ever World Bank’s financed energy project. The US$ 138.5 million project will

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be implemented NamPower.

by

the

national

electricity

utility,

“Namibia is a uniquely positioned regional leader in the transition towards Transmission Expansion and Energy Storage Project a greener and more sustainable future. The World Bank is delighted to support Namibia’s commitment to expand domestic energy generation with renewable solutions, consistent with the country’s Second Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPPII). This project will support NamPower to develop future renewable energy projects,” says Satu Kahkonen, World Bank Country Director for Namibia.

The project is structured around three components: (i) development of the second Auas-Kokerboom transmission line, (ii) development of a utility scale Battery Energy Storage System facility; and (iii) technical assistance activities to support NamPower develop bankable renewable energy projects and enhance the socioeconomic benefits of their projects.

The RDJ Group therefore takes the opportunity extend our best wishes to Ms. Sylla as she begins this exciting new chapter and look forward to witnessing the positive developments that Namibia will experience through her interactions and leadership of World Bank Group actions.

About the World Bank Group: The World Bank Group has a bold vision: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. In more than 100 countries, the World Bank Group provides financing, advice, and innovative solutions that improve lives by creating jobs, strengthening economic growth, and confronting the most urgent global development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It consists of the World Bank, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA); the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org , www.miga.org , and www.ifc.org.

Readings: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/pressrelease/2024/09/06/mariama-cire-sylla-announced-as-world-bankgroup-resident-representative-for-afe-namibia https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/pressrelease/2024/05/06/world-bank-loan-to-afe-namibia-supportsrenewable-energy-integration

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NamPower signs EPC Contract for Namibia’s largest Solar PV Plant.

AUTHOR: Silpa Kanghono Coordinator: Digital Marketing and Events @RDJ Publishing

E

nter a new milestone for solar power in Namibia, setting the country on a pathway that can put the country on a trajectory for self-sufficiency. Being

in the midst of a drought and well constrained supplies of electricity in the Southern Africa region, this will be a game changer.

On 9 September 2024, NamPower hosted the signing ceremony for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contract for the 100 MW Rosh Pinah Solar PV Power Plant. This event marks the official commencement of the project execution phase. Mr. Kahenge Haulofu, NamPower's Managing Director, signed the contract alongside representatives from the China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co. Ltd and Chint New Energy Development (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd Joint Venture.

The plant’s commercial operation is projected to commence in the second quarter of 2026.The total estimated project cost exceeds N$ 1.6 billion, which includes development expenses. A concessional loan from KfW will finance nearly 80% of the total costs, with NamPower covering the remaining 20%. The EPC Contract that was signed was worth N$ 1.4 billion.

The construction of the plant is expected to create significant job opportunities for the local community, as all

semi-skilled and unskilled labour will be sourced locally, in accordance with the conditions outlined in the EPC Contract. The construction period is estimated to last approximately 18 months, with around 800 workers having been employed on site [by the end of the build].

“The 100 MW PV Plant, and the other infrastructure projects currently under construction, culminated out of NamPower’s integrated strategic Business Plan in 2020 for the period 2020-2025. The Rosh Pinah 100 MW PV Project is a project of great national importance and will help the government accomplish its goals of ensuring electricity supply security and self-sufficiency as outline in the national planning policies such as the National development plan (NDP5) and the national integrated Resources Plan (NIRP)”. Mr Kahenge Haulofu, said.

“Together, I’m confident that our joint efforts will ensure the successful execution of this project, create more job opportunities, and make a significant contribution to Namibia's development.” Mr. Deng Yan, concluded.

NamPower will on the completion of the Rosh Pinah plant have 120 MW of solar power under its control and power purchase with some 160 MW solar power already in play.

This makes solar a major contributor to the energy supply of Namibia with a potential of some 720 GWh (0.7 TWh) or 18% of annual consumption.

Media Statement: Electricity and Energy Committee Briefed on Koeberg and Nuclear New Build Programme contributed by:

The department provided an update on the preparations underway for the 2 500 MW nuclear new build programme as directed in the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan

C

APE TOWN, South Africa, September 5, 2024/ -- The Department of Electricity and Energy and Eskom on Wednesday briefed the Portfolio Committee on

Electricity and Energy on the status of the nuclear new build programme and the extension of the Koeberg nuclear power station's lifespan.

The department provided an update on the preparations underway for the 2 500 MW nuclear new build programme as directed in the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan. This includes market testing through a Request for Information, an analysis of potential ownership and financing models, and ongoing engagement with the National Nuclear Regulator. Eskom also presented details on the plans to extend the operational lifespan of the Koeberg nuclear power station by 20 years beyond its original design life, which will involve major equipment replacement and regulatory approvals.

Committee members raised several questions and concerns during the meeting. These included the affordability and cost-effectiveness of nuclear compared to renewable energy, especially given the fiscal constraints facing the country. There were also questions about the readiness and commercial viability of small modular reactor technology, which is still largely in the design and prototype phase, as well as the status and potential revival of the pebble bed modular reactor programme developed in South Africa.

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The committee called for thorough public participation and transparency in the nuclear new build process, as well as ensuring alignment between the nuclear programme and the country’s energy and climate goals.

The department and Eskom committed to providing further information and responding to the committee members' questions, including questions on the demand analysis, cost estimates, and plans to leverage South Africa's nuclear fuel manufacturing capabilities. Committee members also stressed the importance of undertaking rigorous costbenefit analyses and exploring all financing options, including public-private partnerships and vendor financing models, to ensure the nuclear programme is affordable and provides value for money. Concerns were also raised about the need to update the environmental impact assessments for the proposed nuclear sites given the time that has elapsed since the initial studies were conducted.

Committee Chairperson, Ms Nonkosi Mvano said the committee will continue to exercise oversight on the nuclear new build programme and Koeberg's life extension as these critical energy infrastructure projects progress.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

SOURCE Republic of South Africa: The Parliament

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Water Namibia to Home another Desalination Plant in Erongo Region AUTHOR: Grace Kangotue Chief Researcher/Economist @ RDJ Consulting

Courtesy: https://chamberofmines.org.na/blog-post/erongo-desalination-plant-unlocks-green-energy-potential/

N

amibia is well-known as one of the driest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, naturally arid, and heavily reliant on its groundwater resources. However,

these groundwater reserves face challenges due to the country’s high rainfall variability, which affects the recharge of aquifers, making water resources unreliable in many regions. Climate change, with reduced rainfall and altered precipitation patterns, has further intensified these challenges, particularly in the Erongo region, which is situated in the Namib Desert.

In recent years, the development of Namibia’s hydrogen industry has also begun to take shape, with significant projects emerging in the Erongo region. This has resulted into an increase in industrial activities in the Erongo region, and consequently, surging the water demand. Alongside this, the expansion of uranium mining, other industrial projects, and population growth are further stretching the region’s limited water resources.

Currently, the region draws water from the Omdel and Kuiseb Delta aquifers, as well as the Orano Erongo

16

Desalination Plant, which is privately owned. According to the Namibian national water utility, Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater), the trio collectively provide approximately 30 million cubic metres of water annually.

However, they have reached their “sustainable limits.”

According to Orano, their desalination plant generates about 20 million cubic metres of drinking water per annum.

This means Orano’s plant produces about 67% of the aggregate water supply in the region per year. Additionally, NamWater’s Coastal Business Unit in 2024 also noted that it manages around 14 million cubic metres of water resources, while demand in the region now stands at 26 million cubic metres—almost double the available supply.

As a result, NamWater’s existing resources are insufficient to meet both current and future water demand.

To ensure water sustainability in the Erongo region, NamWater is activating its plans set for the construction of an additional desalination plant. This idea is based on a “Feasibility Study for a Desalination Plant and Water Transfer System,” which was completed in 2021. The study’s main goal was to propose a sustainable concept that would

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InFocus NAMIBIA AN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW

secure and diversify Namibia’s water supply by integrating conventional water sources with a climate-independent water supply, enhancing resilience in the Erongo region by 2050.

The feasibility study examined three potential scenarios: SS1: Supplying water solely to the Erongo region.

SS2: Supplying the Erongo region and conveying water to Windhoek and surrounding areas.

SS3: Supplying SS1 and SS2, while also transporting water to Gaborone, Botswana.

Point to note is that national water demand in 2015 was estimated at about 334 million cubic meters per year and is projected to reach 583 and 772 million cubic meters per year by 2025 and 2030 respectively.

In 2021, the Namibian government, through its Cabinet, approved the immediate implementation of SS1 to meet the urgent water demand in the Erongo region. In 2023, NamWater proposed undertaking the project in collaboration with the private sector through a jointventure business model. Husab Uranium Mine, the largest water consumer in the region and the second-largest single consumer in the country, was identified as an ideal partner for the project. Cabinet approved NamWater’s proposal and granted permission for the water utility to engage with Husab Uranium Mine.

NamWater is now authorized to construct a desalination plant with a capacity of approximately 20 million cubic metres per year in the Erongo region, aimed at supplementing the region’s water supply. According to the

Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schelettwein, construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with completion expected by early 2027.

In a press release dated August 2, 2024, titled “Namibia Approves Strategic Desalination Plant to Secure National Water Supply”, NamWater provided updates on the project, though it did not mention how the project would be financed or the outcome of the discussions with Husab Uranium Mine regarding a joint partnership.

In conclusion, Namibia’s efforts to secure a sustainable water supply for the Erongo region is commendable.

Building a new desalination plant is a crucial step to support the region's growing industrial activities while ensuring water resources can meet both current and future demands. Involving the private sector, particularly a key player like Husab Uranium Mine, can help mobilize the resources needed to accelerate the project’s completion.

NamWater can leverage this partnership to secure capital and other support. This initiative is essential not only for the sustainable development of the Erongo region but for the entire country’s economic and environmental future.

Readings: NamWater “Namibia Approves Strategic Desalination Plant to Secure National Water Supply”, Press Released dated: 02 August 2024 NamWater “NamWater’s Strategic Investment in Water Infrastructure: A Catalyst for National Development PART 2”, Press Released date: 21 August 2024 https://www.orano.group/en/orano-across-the-world/namibia https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/202211/NAMIBIA%20inputs.pdf

Courtesy: Getty Images

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NAMIBIA DAM LEVELS UPDATE (September 2024) Dam's Full Capacity (in Mm3)

Present Volume for September 2024 (in Mm3)

100.00

1000.00

80.00 800.00

600.00

400.00

40.00

200.00

20.00

H ar da p

0.00 N ec ka rt al

Water Volume (in Mm3)

60.00

N Sw au te ak op po or t Vo n Ba O ch lu sh an dj O a m O ar m ur at u ak D o el ta D am O an ob D re O ih tji uk ve ro M O ai tji n ve ro Si lt Fr ie O d m en at au je nn e D am G or ea ng Ti ab ld a Vi ljo en Bo nd D el aa s n Vi ljo en

0.00

Name of Reservoir Author’s analysis and representation of NamWater’s weekly dam bulletin - dated 16 September 2024

DEFICIT 48%

CAPACITY

1556.71 Mm3

AVAILABILITY 52%

According to records by NamWater’s weekly Dam Bulletins, Namibia has a total Reservoir capacity of 1556.71 million cubic meters (Mm3), whose present volumes stand at 808.734 Mm3 (or 52%). This means that the country’s water deficit is currently 747.978 Mm3 (or 48%).

Spotlight Spotlight on Ms. Thubaelihle Sibanda Interview by Ms. Silpa Kanghono (Coordinator: Digital Marketing and Events- RDJ Publishing)

W

elcome to the Executive Spotlight Series, where we delve into the minds of industry leaders shaping the future. Today, we are honoured to feature

Ms. Thubaelihle Sibanda, a dynamic and inspiring leader who serves as the director at Physically Active Youth. Her work is not only transforming the lives of young people but is also creating pathways for a healthier and more empowered future.

1)Can you describe your executive role?

I am in the Board of Directors for Physically Active Youth and as a Director, I am responsible for Partnerships, Strategy and Sustainability. This role involves the supervision of the strategic intention of the organization while also keeping an eye on identifying opportunities for the organization’s continued growth and leading us towards a place of sustainability, where we are assured of program continuity for the long run.

2)Where does it derive its mandate?

The role involves developing and implementing strategic initiatives to achieve some of our key goals as PAY Namibia. As a non-profit organization, this role is essential in ensuring our continued relevance to the community of Katutura and our beneficiaries, while also ensuring a niched approach in the implementation of our programmatic activities and in terms of the kind of partners we seek or choose to work with. Through this role, I identify partnerships that are the right fit for us, work on increasing our pool of resources in order to ensure continue program delivery and with the rest of our Board of Directors, identify our priority areas of focus, to ensure the continued growth and survival of the organization.

3) What is the Vision, Mission and Value proposition of the organization that you lead?

Physically Active Youth (PAY) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the holistic youth development of children and youth from the Katutura community through four pillars. Working with children and youth from low-income families, we use the power of sport (cycling, soccer, swimming and chess) integrated with STEM

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(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education, healthy life skills and a nutrition program to redress social injustices and help them reach the future of their dreams. PAY has over 230 graduates and each year registers 120 children and youth 6-18 years old and retains them for the 12 years of school until graduation. It has been able to ensure a holistic program experience, in and outside the classroom and the use of sport, coupled with educationcentred technology and healthy life skills to raise future leaders and impact the community of Katutura positively.

Our mandate: is to create society where young people can dream and live to see the reality of their dreams. And our vision is for PAY to produce quality members of the community, that are able to be positive contributors to their communities. We want to be known as a top, holistic youth development program in Namibia.

4) As a mentor, what are some of the key attributes you bring to leading your organization?

My key attributes as a leader are; I’m people- oriented and I enjoy working with diverse groups of people and helping them achieve their individual goals. I always see potential in people and always appreciate their unique qualities. That way I am able to work with them and bring out their best.

My second key attribute is that I am creative and always think differently in terms of how to approach a situation and this is important when leading an organization that is non-profit and highly dependent on donor funding to survive. I am creative in tackling the different issues we deal with but in also just addressing the future direction of the program and tailoring it in such a way that it continues to be relevant for our beneficiaries, their communities and the changing tides of our world.

5) What aspect of your sector keeps you awake at night?

young people create economy through those elements, we will continue to see high failure rates and more young people on the streets. Careers are becoming unconventional and there’s still a mis-match between our educational approach and the demands of the job markets and this is why a lot of young graduates also end up not using their qualifications. The fact that organizations like ours are needed is a testament of the glaring social inequalities that exist in our country and it’s important that these are addressed, not just through the interventions of civil society organizations but also in collaboration with other development partners, private sector and government. This collaborative effort is essential in driving development forward and ensuring better outcomes for our young people.

6)What has been your proudest moment to date leading the organization?

This organization always gives me multiple reasons to celebrate and continue believing in the work we do, as our achievements are boundless and multiple fold. From seeing our beneficiaries attain scholarships locally and internationally, to seeing them make national team call ups and having our graduates come back and give back to the organization that has changed their lives.

There are many stories to share, in all our multi-dimensional interventions. Some of these stories and achievements include being featured in a documentary by the Obama Foundation and winning a Day-time Emmy, as well as getting the right kind of partnerships and donors that come and support our work.

However, my proudest moment was seeing the program turn 20 years old in 2023. This is so important because, it was a celebration of two decades of changing lives every day. This is the kind of impact we want to continue to make, and it is my role as a member of the board of directors to make sure we continue on our stellar course to becoming a top of mind, holistic youth development program in Namibia. I would like to believe we already are.

I won’t go for the obvious answer of saying the lack of long-term funding commitments from donors. As we do have some longterm partners that have believed in us and our work and have continued to show us grace. What keeps me awake at night, is the plight of the young person in Katutura and other low-income communities, when it comes to the social issues but as well in terms of access to quality education and a chance at a future, they can be proud of. What keeps me up at night is knowing that the unemployment rate in Namibia is continually on the rise, and without a more intentional focus of offering skills-based and learner-centered education, covering aspects such as the practical application of subjects like entrepreneurship alongside noncollateral financing for young people’s innovations, as well as celebrating the extra-curricular offerings in schools and helping

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Tenders

NamWater Description: Supply and Delivery of Pump-Motor Sets for Omakango - Omafo Pump Station.

Bid Close date: 26 September 2024 at 11h00 https://www.namwater.com.na/index.php/quotations/22-procurement/816-supply-and-delivery-of-pump-motor-sets-foromakango-omafo-pump-station Oshikoto Regional Council Description: Construction of Water & Sewer Infrastructure in Onayena Proper & Extension 1 Bid Closing Date: 11 October 2024 at 11h00 https://oshikotorc.gov.na/documents/1676058/4603474/Construction+of+Water+and+Sewer+Infrastructure+at+Onayena+Prope r+%26+Extension+1+Final.pdf/d5e55399-3b71-d8e4-a16d-583d9ec7f594?t=1725890864367 Namibia Airports Company Description: RFP: Customer Satisfaction and Stakeholders Engagement Survey.

Bid Close date: 14 October 2024 https://www.airports.com.na/files/files/Terms%20of%20Reference%20-%20Customer%20Satisfaction%20survey%2020232024%20(002).pdf NamPower Description: Pre–qualification of Contractors for Mechanical and Manual Bush Clearing on Various NamPower Transmission and Distribution Lines and Herbicide Application on an Ad Hoc Basis for Period of Three (3) Years.

BId Close date: 18 October 2024 at 10h00 Namibian Time https://www.nampower.com.na/Bid.aspx?id=251976 Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform Description: Request for Quotation for Services for Structure Cabling and Trunking (the Implementation of E-Governance Project).

Bid Close date: 21 October 2024 https://mawf.gov.na/procurement Swakopmund Municipality Description: Resealing of Roads and Ancillary Works (Phase 1) BId Close date: 21 October 2024 at 11h00 https://swakopmun.com/download/w-onb-sm-010-2024-resealing-of-roads-and-ancillary-works-phase-1/ Agro-Marketing And Trade Agency (AMTA) Description: Procurement for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Access Control/ Biometric System for AMTA. Offices.

Bid Closing date: 22 October 2024 https://egp2.gov.na/forms/ProjDetails.jsf

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CHILOMBO OLGA PRISCILA EDITORIAL, LAYOUT DESIGNER AND EXECUTIVE-OPERATIONS @RDJ GROUP

NICOLE FELIX CHIEF DESIGNER @RDJ PUBLISHING

SILPA KANGHONO COORDINATOR: DIGITAL MARKETING AND EVENTS @RDJ PUBLISHING

GRACE KANGOTUE CHIEF RESEARCHER /ECONOMIST @ RDJ CONSULTING

DAVID JARRETT EDITOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER @RDJ GROUP

RENEE JARRETT EXECUTIVE - ADMINISTRATION @RDJ GROUP

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