The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and One Economy Foundation (ONE) have signed a Strategic Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (SCPA) to drive sustainable economic growth, youth empowerment  and community development in Namibia. 

This groundbreaking collaboration reflects both organisations’ commitment to promoting equality, and creating socio-economic opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly the youth, women and rural entrepreneurs.

The partnership will formalise a strategic framework of cooperation that covers a wide range of issues, emphasising mentorship, capacity-building  and enterprise development. 

As part of the agreement, the DBN will offer coaching, training and internship opportunities to members of the #BeFree Youth Campus, and participants of programmes under the One Economy Foundation, focusing on advancing youth, women and micro, small and medium enterprises (SME) development. The DBN will also support ONE by utilising its facilities for annual community outreach initiatives.

Speaking about the partnership, John Steytler, the CEO of the Development Bank of Namibia, stated, “We are excited to collaborate with One Economy Foundation, a key player in addressing socio-economic challenges in Namibia. This Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, our first of its kind, reflects our shared values of fostering and driving inclusive growth, and supporting vulnerable communities to build a prosperous Namibian house that is broad-based.

In turn, One Economy Foundation’s CEO Uajorokisa Karuaihe remarked: “Our partnership with DBN embodies the spirit of ‘SHAPE: Moulding the Future, Hand in Hand.’ Together, we are holding hands to provide invaluable resources to empower young people, equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s competitive environment.”

A steering committee will meet regularly to ensure progress on joint initiatives, and exchange valuable information to enhance their collaborative efforts. The SCPA will remain in effect for five years, fostering a long-term relationship that is expected to yield tangible results for Namibia’s development landscape.

The One Economy Foundation is a registered social welfare organisation, dedicated to bridging socio-economic disparities, and building an inclusive economy where equality and shared prosperity thrive. Its work focuses on creating opportunities for under-represented groups, particularly the youth, through adolescent healthcare, mentorship, education and community-driven initiatives.