In the service of democracy, peace and development
Fields of Activity
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Democracy and Good Governance
In close cooperation with its partners, HSF has actively supported the development of a democratic society in Namibia since 1978. Since the country gained independence in 1990, Namibia has further consolidated its democratic institutions. Today, the constitution provides for human and political rights, values an independent judiciary, and envisages a multi-party system for Namibia.
To further strengthen the government's efforts in building a strong democratic society, the Hanns Seidel Foundation Namibia is putting a strong focus on the advancement of democratic and constitutional structures as well as on “good governance”.
Capacity Building
By strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations, political parties, decision-makers, youth groups as well as disadvantaged groups, HSF encourages civic and political involvement. Our capacity building interventions help to foster democratic citizenship and political participation in Namibia.
In this context, we offer various training modules and workshops focusing on civic education, organisational skills, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, we develop and share information materials such as fact sheets, videos and podcasts on current affairs and run information campaigns such as MyDemocracy Tree.
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Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption
Generally Namibia has a strong judicial foundation. With the Anti-Corruption Act, the country has set a good precondition for anti-corruption initiatives. Nonetheless, corruption remains a problem, particularly in the public procurement sector due to politically well connected individuals taking advantage of and manipulating the public procurement system. Additionally, the enforcement of the legislation remains inconsistent and bribes are not uncommon in areas such as the customs department. However, evidence is often hard to come by.
The Hanns Seidel Foundation actively supports the Namibian government in the fight against corruption. To promote the rule of law in Namibia, HSF further cooperates with stakeholders from government, businesses and civil society organisations in order to strengthen political and economic sustainability.
Measures:
Workshops & Publications
We are contributing to the government's fight against corruption by offering workshops and by distributing information on the topic. Furthermore we support the advancement of professional research and the regular publication of relevant papers on the rule of law, anti-corruption and current socio-political matters directly in the House of Democracy.
Next to a close cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC, see Partners), HSF finances the monthly publication "Corruption Tracker" as part of Insight Magazine.
For more information, please contact us at info(at)hsf.org.na.
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Sustainable Economic Development
Since Namibia gained its independence in 1990, the country has enjoyed a remarkable economical success. This can be attributed to the fact that Namibia has a good physical infrastructure, a functioning market economy, a strong government, and abundant natural resources – mining, livestock rearing, fishing and food processing have been important pillars of the economy. Nevertheless Namibia still faces great disparities of wealth. The Hanns Seidel Foundation is committed to assist the Namibian government in its efforts for more equality.
To foster sustainable economic advancement, we support research on socio-economic topics and public policy analysis. Additionally we support the development of skills and capacities in Namibia’s economic sector by encouraging discourse and by supporting socially disadvantaged groups in receiving vocational training.
Dialogues
We host regular dialogue sessions, conferences and discussion on current socio-economic issues to enhance public debate - often in collaboration with our partner organisation IPPR. An example is the HSF's quarterly “Business Breakfast” – a high profile information sharing and networking event for stakeholders in policy-making, business and civil society.
Research and Publications
Additionally we are funding IPPR’s bi-monthly bulletin ‘Economy Watch’, a publication providing topical information on the Namibian Economy. HSF and IPPR also collaborate on a number of other publications.
For more information, please contact us at info(at)hsf.org.na.
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Environmental Sustainability
Namibia has an excellent legislative and policy backdrop for environmental protection and sustainable resource management. However, the economy is highly dependent on natural resources including diverse rangelands, arable land, mineral deposits, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Economic and social development will be negatively affected by climate change, especially with regard to water availability, food and livelihood security.
Another pain point is Namibia’s electricity supply which has to be imported to a large extend (60%) from its neighbours. Additionally, the vastness of the country coupled with the isolated location of some settlements, still leaves many areas without electricity. However, Namibia has great potential for renewable energies that could supply these remote areas with decentralised and off-grid electricity while advancing them economically.
To support Namibia’s aim for environmental sustainability, the Hanns Seidel Foundation has started two projects. Since 2015 the ThinkNamibia campaign focuses on climate change, while the PREN-project aims to implement a shift towards renewable energies starting in 2017.
ThinkNamibia 2015-2017
The Hanns Seidel Foundation Environmental Awareness and Climate Change Project complements the public awareness efforts of Government to promote environmental awareness and empower stakeholders to participate in climate change responses.
In partnership with the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN), HSF has implemented a three-year project with the focus on contributing to environmental sustainability through awareness-raising on environmental protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The focus is in support of the guiding principles of the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) that supports awareness generation, education, training and capacity building as the national response to climate change.
Aims and Objectives
- Increasing knowledge and skills on environmental issues.
- Promoting knowledge transfer in the environmental sector.
- Promoting social entrepreneurship in the environmental sector.
- Supporting journalistic work in the environmental sector.
The Environmental Awareness and Climate Change Project implements these objectives through a dynamic approach including information and educational material development, a national information campaign, public dialogue platforms and training of multipliers.
For more information please visit: www.enviro-awareness.org.na
PREN-Project 2017-2019
To unveil Namibia’s potential in regards to renewable energies, a public awareness campaign will empower stakeholders with the knowledge about alternative and clean energies. A change in the mindset of Namibia’s population would contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal No. 7, of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to "ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all".
Against this background, the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) are implementing a three-year project with the focus on contributing to the implementation of the COP21 Paris Agreement.
Aims and Objectives
- Implementing a nationwide campaign that will improve the awareness on the use of renewable energies and energy efficiency in Namibia.
- Promoting the usage of renewable energies in schools as well as in SMEs and start-ups in target regions in rural areas.
- Supporting selected rural schools and SMEs and/ or Start-ups in obtaining renewable energy hardware.
Progress
Four smart lessons on renewable energy have been developed by our partner EduVentures. The lessons are based on research, the observations of local high schools, surveys at rural schools and stakeholder interviews. Five schools will be visited for workshops on renewable energy during the course of the first year.
Our Namibia Office
The Hanns Seidel Foundation Namibia (HSF) is a German non-profit organisation. Our Namibian office dates back to 1978 and is located in Windhoek. In 1991 HSF started working directly in Johannesburg, South Africa to support the shift to an all-inclusive, non-racial democratic society in all of Southern Africa.
The Hanns Seidel Foundation is supporting the Namibian government to consolidate democratic values, economic advancement, accountability, transparency and environmental awareness as part of the Namibian development plan.
Our work is largely funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote democracy, economic advancement and environmental sustainability and support an active civil society in Namibia through the distribution of information and the initiation of dialogues and workshops.
Our Objectives
- To promote democracy and good governance by strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations, political parties, decision-makers and disadvantaged groups to encourage well informed civic and political involvement.
- To support the rule of law and anti-corruption initiatives by encouraging accountability and transparency through research and public dialogues.
- To encourage sustainable economic advancement by supporting socio-economic research and public policy analysis as well as through encouraging discourse.
- To contribute to environmental sustainability and the usage of renewable energy through awareness raising on environmental protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
House of Democracy
The House of Democracy was inaugurated on 12 May 2014 with the intent to create a platform for civil society organisations where political, socio-political and economical matters can be discussed to foster constructive critical thinking.
In order to encourage debate and open dialogue, the House of Democracy is home to partners whose objectives are to enhance democratic values and promote economic development in the Namibian society.
The organisations that are currently located in the House of Democracy are the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), Insight Magazine, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), the Namibian Institute for Democracy (NID) and the Desert Research Foundation Namibia (DRFN).
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 7:30 am - 1 pm
Kindly note our office is closed on weekends.
The Hanns Seidel Foundation offers a variety of opportunities:
Job Opportunities
There are currently no open vacancies.
Internships
The Hanns Seidel Foundation in Nambia (HSF) offers internships to graduates or advanced students from Namibia and from abroad. Starting dates throughout the year. More...
Scholarships
The Hanns Seidel Foundation awards scholarships to young scientists and postgraduate students with outstanding academic achievements, socio-political dedication and personal qualities. More...
Opportunities for Trainers
The Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) is currently seeking to expand its pool of experienced Training Consultants. Starting dates are flexible throughout the year. More...
Publications
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Guide to Civil Society | 3rd Edition
In order to further strengthen civil society in Namibia and support the interaction between government and civil society, the Namibia Institute for Democracy with support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, compiled this guide to provide an overview of the mandate of NGOs and CSOs in Namibia, together with contact details and the sectors in which they are active.
It is hoped that the guide will serve as reference tool to local and international development institutions and NGOs requiring information on the activities of civil society or looking for partners for specific programs in Namibia.
Youth Conference Report 2018
The National Youth Council together with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the European Union, Progress Namibia, AIESEC Namibia, the Internet Society Namibia Chapter and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany hosted a Youth Conference under the theme: "Youth for Global Goals (Y4GG)"on the 17thof October in Ongwediva (UNAM Engineering Campus and a Business Breakfast Networking Event on the 18thof October in Ondangwa (Protea Hotel).
The importance of the Youth in achieving the 2030 Agenda is undeniable, but currently, only about 45% of young people know what the SDGs are (source: Youth Speak insights 2016). The Youth 4 Global Goals (Y4GG) is an initiative that aims to activate the youth to contribute towards the achievement of the SDGs and this will happen in three stages: Awareness, Understanding and Action. The conference aims to create an environment where people from diverse backgrounds, age groups and expertise can cross-pollinate ideas and gain new perspectives to create actionable outcomes in order to move forward.
Refresh Your Election Knowledge
The Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) together with the Electoral Commission of Namibia, the Namibia Institute for Democracy (NID) and Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) partnered on a publication focusing on voters education. In every election, voter and civic education are necessary to ensure that all constituents—men and women alike—understand their rights, their political system, the contests they are being asked to decide, and how and where to vote.
For an election to be successful and democratic, voters must understand their rights and responsibilities, and must be sufficiently knowledgeable and well informed to cast ballots that are legally valid and to participate meaningfully in the voting process. Voter and civic education are even more critical in post-conflict countries, where political situations may be volatile and where elections may have an unprecedented impact on the countries’ future.
The publication aims to provide its readers with information on who is eligible to vote; where and how to register; how electors can check the voter lists to ensure they have been duly included; what type of elections are being held; where, when and how to vote; who the candidates are; and how to file complaints.
LAC - Know Your Constitution (Translated)
The Legal Assistance Centre launched the Know Your Constiution booklet in 5 local languages. Feel free to download and share the booklets.
Procurement Tracker Namibia
Procurement Tracker is an initiative of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), with funding support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), to monitor and track developments and issues within the Namibian public procurement sphere and publishes a quarterly review of such public procurement developments and issues.
Procurement Tracker 1 - July 2018
Issue 2 of Procurement Tracker Namibia looks at what has happened to the procurement plans that are supposed to be published by ministries, government offices and agencies, sub-national levels of government and public enterprises. Despite legal requirements that these plans are made available, many have not yet appeared. Procurement Tracker is an initiative of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF). The regular bulletin aims to monitor and track developments and issues within the Namibian public procurement sphere.
Procurement Tracker 2- September 2018
Transparency issues continue to undermine the credibility of Namibia’s procurement system according to the new Procurement Tracker Namibia bulletin. Procurement Tracker is an initiative of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF). The regular bulletin aims to monitor and track developments and issues within the Namibian public procurement sphere.
Procurement Tracker 3 - October 2018
The latest edition of the Procurement Tracker bulletin finds the national procurement system in turmoil. Efforts to get the new procurement system running smoothly have been undermined by a lack of internal accountability, too much secrecy, persistent infighting, understaffing, expertise shortfalls, and institutional paralysis.
Procurement Tracker 4 - April 2019
July 2018 - Economy Watch
This new edition of the Economy Watch bulletin looks at growth forecasts for the world and the region, as well as the prospects of recovery for the Namibian economy. The bulletin also takes a closer look at oil and fuel price trends.
Civic Education Programme Factsheets
The Namibian Constitution has been recognized as one of the most progressive of it’s time. Our leaders have committed themselves to taking the necessary economic, legal, social and political steps to transform Namibia into a democratic country, with respect to human rights and freedom and a thriving political system characterised by good governance. However, these goals cannot be left to our political leaders alone.
It is for this reason that civic education programmes like the one run by the Hanns Seidel Foundation are vital, so that young Namibians, particularly those in secondary and tertiary institutions in order for them to effectively participate in the democratic process at local and national levels.
The series of factsheets are on Advocacy in Action, Know Your Government & Rule of Law and are available for reading/ download below:
1. Law in Namibia
International Law & Human Rights
2. Know Your Government
Overview of the Namibian Government
3. Advocacy in Action
Public Marches and Demonstrations
3 Years of Geingob
President Geingob has now been in office for three years – enough time to make a difference. In this paper we provide an overview of his first three years in office, assess the progress toward his signature Harambee Prosperity Plan, and his performance on the promises he has made.
The National Budget 2018-19
Namibia’s national budget 2018/19 was tabled during what is unquestionably the most challenging economic time experienced in the country’s independent history. The economy continued to deteriorate through 2017, with the first three quarters of the year showing a 1.6% contraction, in inflation adjusted terms, when compared to the same period of 2016. This contraction stemmed from a number of sectors, but was most noticeably the result of large contractions in the construction and wholesale and retail trade sectors.
Economy Watch - April 2018
This edition of Economy Watch looks at growth forecasts for the world and the region. The IMF’s quarterly update of its World Economic Outlook sets its growth forecast at 3.9%. Growth predictions for the EU and USA have been revised upward. A slight upward revision was also seen for Sub-Saharan Africa, with growth projected at 3.4%.
The report also discusses the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which was signed by 44 African states in late March (Namibia did not sign). The agreement seeks to increase trade among African countries by removing customs duties on most products.
Housing in Namibia
The lack of urban housing has become a key political issue of our age. Informal settlements are growing rapidly, and most Local Authorities seem to be struggling to keep up with the demand for housing from their rapidly growing populations.
This report provides an overview of the housing situation in Namibia, and gives recommendations for the way forward. Through a desk review, interviews with experts, and a survey of inhabitants of informal settlements in three towns, the report identifies the key factors holding back housing in Namibia.
Namibia is hamstrung by an outdated, complex and rigid framework which leaves Local Authorities with few options to innovate in response to challenges. The survey found differences in attitudes across towns; policy should respond to these different needs rather than being uniformly rigid. Above all, the report argues that Namibia should commit to a new housing vision, which emphasises the provision of land rather than housing, and embraces progressive planning ideals.
25th Independence Anniversary Edition
A special edition in Insight MAGAZINE dedicated to the 25th Independence Anniversary. The Hanns Seidel Foundation supported its publication. Topics revolve around Leadership, State of Democracy, Politics, Land, Corruption, Health, Tourism and Politics.
25th Independence Anniversary Edition (pdf)
25 Years of Democracy
In this commemorative publication, Celebrating 25 years of Democratic Elections, the focus is not only on the elections held in Namibia since 1989, but we also take an in-depth look at other democratic processes. Insightful analyses of essential elements of democracy are provided by analysts who are regarded as experts on Namibian politics.
Anti-Corruption Act
The Anti-Corruption Act serves to establish the Anti-Corruption Commission and provide for its functions; to provide for the prevention and punishment of corruption; and to make provision for matters connected therewith.
Commemorating 20 Years of tackling Climate Change
This Booklet was published two weeks ahead of the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The booklet celebrates Namibia's progress to foster dynamic solutions to address climate change.
Commemorating 20 Years of Tackling Climate Change in Namibia 1995-2015 (pdf)
Environmental Law and Policy in Namibia
The publication on Environmental Law and Policy in Namibia by O.C. Ruppel and K.G. Ruppel-Schlichting intends to put together a compilation of environmentally relevant documents such as laws, policies, international agreements and selected reports and publications contiuously updated.
Time to Believe in Change
As with so much else in Namibia, climate change is all over policy documents but rarely features when it comes to government initiative implementation. Time has come for this to change, writes Dietrich Remmert in Insight Magazine.
Time to Believe in Change (pdf)
