Namibia

Since 2019, Palms for Life has invested over $12 million in long-term social development across Namibia, focusing on marginalized communities—particularly the San—in regions including Kavango East and West, Oshikoto, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, and Omusati. 

Background

Namibia is one of the world’s most unequal countries, 2nd only to South Africa (2019). San and Nama communities are heavily affected by this inequality.  The highest incidence of multidimensional poverty is reported amongst the population whose main language is Khoisan (93%; National Statistics Agency survey, 2021).The San population includes many groups: Ju|’hoansi, !Xun (or !Kung), Hai||om, Naro, Khwe or !Xoon. Widespread poverty among the San is attributable to interrelated, partly conditional factors, including:  

  • Lack of access to land/lack of secure land tenure;                                                                                            

  • Limited post-settlement support/lack of       

  • access to productive assets;                                                                                                                   

  • Very low levels of education;

  • Discrimination and culture; and

  • Limited political representation, participation and consultation

*Dots on map indicate main areas of investment

Early Childhood Development (ECD)

We’ve built 10 state-of-the-art ECD centers in San communities, with more underway. Each center provides Montessori teacher training, daily meals, child-friendly sanitation, toys, digital tools, and safe, engaging classrooms. 

To preserve San heritage, our ECDs emphasize mother tongue instruction, with elders (Oumas and Oupas) actively supporting cultural learning. These centers also serve as hubs for vegetable gardening and adult education.

Vocational Training & Youth Empowerment

In partnership with COSDEF, we run Namibia’s largest vocational training initiative, supporting 1,200 youth with a unique prep course for TVET admission.

We also train San youth in hospitality to boost tourism-sector employment and support youth in Tsintsabis to produce educational toys for ECD centers nationwide—combining skills training with entrepreneurship.

Food Security

We tackle food insecurity through emergency relief and long-term solutions like vegetable gardens at ECDs. Future plans include hydroponics and climate-smart farming projects developed in close collaboration with communities.

Health & Wellbeing

We address root causes of social and environmental vulnerability through local action. Key initiatives include alcohol and substance harm reduction, litter cleanup drives, water access through boreholes, and affordable health outreach in underserved areas.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Together with Wanderport Africa, we’re expanding internet access in rural schools and ECD centers—equipping communities with the tools to thrive in a connected world.