Namibia’s 2026 Sustainable Development Awards open

The country’s leading platform for recognising sustainability excellence has officially opened nominations for its fifth Sustainable Development Awards, with organisers calling on businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, communities and young innovators to showcase initiatives that are helping build a greener and more inclusive economy.

Nominations opened on 18 June and will close on 24 July 2026 at 17h00.

Organisers are encouraging submissions from businesses, educational institutions, researchers, journalists, artists, financial institutions, civil society organisations and community groups. Launched by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) in partnership with the Sustainable Development Advisory Council (SDAC), the 2026 awards place a strong emphasis on youth empowerment under the theme ‘Empowering Namibian Youth for a Sustainable Future’.

The initiative comes at a time when sustainability, environmental resilience and green economic growth are increasingly becoming central to Namibia’s development agenda.

Organisers say the awards seek to spotlight individuals and organisations that are delivering practical solutions to environmental, social and economic challenges.

Speaking at the official launch in Windhoek, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel urged broad participation from across the country.

She said sustainable development cannot be left to government alone, describing it as a shared national responsibility requiring contributions from communities, businesses, institutions and individuals alike.

The minister noted that innovative projects emerging across Namibia are helping to protect natural resources, create economic opportunities and improve livelihoods, adding that the awards provide a platform to recognise these achievements while encouraging further action.

As Namibia accelerates efforts to diversify its economy and pursue sustainable development goals, the awards are expected to highlight projects and enterprises that are demonstrating how environmental stewardship and economic growth can work hand in hand.

For the private sector, the awards present an opportunity to gain national recognition for sustainability initiatives and environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. Categories targeting businesses include Private Sector Champions for Sustainable Development, Green Financial Services and Sustainable Mining and Exploration Activities.

EIF CEO Benedict Libanda said the awards continue to play a critical role in identifying and celebrating organisations and individuals making meaningful contributions to Namibia’s sustainable development journey.

“The Sustainable Development Awards are about recognising excellence and inspiring action,” he said.

He added that innovation, collaboration and long-term commitment remain key drivers of sustainable growth.

The awards cover a wide range of sectors, including youth action, research and development, natural resource management, sustainable schools, women and environment, sustainable journalism and thought leadership. In a move aimed at strengthening the awards’ national identity, EIF also announced the winner of its Sustainable Development Awards Trophy Design Competition.

Namibian designer Ndako Nghipandulwa was selected after a competitive evaluation process, with judges praising his design for reflecting sustainability, innovation and community empowerment.

He will receive N$30 000, while his design will become the official trophy for the 2026 awards.

-ebarndt@nepc.com.na

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