IPPR Namibia

Don't miss two important upcoming engagements for civil society organisations focusing on electoral law reform and human rights. These are key opportunities to share perspectives and contribute to ongoing discussions.
For further details, contact [email protected].

19 June - questions welcome at [email protected]

On Genocide Remembrance Day, we honour the memory of those who suffered and lost their lives.

As we remember, we also reaffirm our commitment to justice, dignity, reconciliation, and a peaceful future for all Namibians.

🕯️ 28 May 2026

What does freedom — uhuru — really mean in a constitutional democracy?

This new IPPR briefing paper by Abigail Solomons examines the tensions between constitutional rights, court victories, legislative backlash and social attitudes shaping the lived realities of LGBT Namibians. It argues that while important legal progress has been made, true equality and protection remain unfinished work.

Download and read Not Yet Uhuru: Gender and LGBT Rights in Namibia below.

https://ippr.org.na/publication/not-yet-uhuru/

In partnership with Embassy of Ireland, Zambia

Not Yet Uhuru - IPPR The briefing paper examines the tensions between constitutional rights, court victories, legislative backlash and social attitudes shaping the lived realities of LGBT Namibians – and asks how far Namibia still has to go in building a truly inclusive democracy.

✨ “Uhuru” means freedom in Swahili — but as IPPR’s latest report shows, Namibia’s LGBTQ+ community is not yet uhuru.

📖 Not Yet Uhuru: Gender & LGBT Rights in Namibia by Abigail Solomons shines a light on the legal gaps and social barriers that still limit equality. At the launch, attended by LAC Director Toni Hancox, intern Sophia DeLuca, and civil society allies, Solomons reminded us: “Not yet uhuru. But not without hope.”

🌈 This report isn’t just research — it’s a rallying cry. It opens dialogue, sparks advocacy, and builds momentum for change. Freedom is coming, but the journey continues.

https://ippr.org.na/publication/not-yet-uhuru/

Namibia’s push towards Universal Health Coverage could become one of the country’s most important post-independence reforms – but major questions remain around affordability, inequality, governance and implementation.

This new IPPR blog examines the difficult choices and structural challenges facing Namibia’s health reform agenda as government moves towards a more equitable healthcare system for all.

Read the full blog below:

Onwards to Universal Health Coverage? Namibia’s Tough Road to Health Reform - IPPR Namibia’s ambition to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) marks one of the most important and potentially transformative public policy reforms since independence. Yet while the goal of ensuring that all Namibians have access to quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship is widely ...

At this morning’s launch of the IPPR briefing paper Not Yet Uhuru by Abigail Solomons.

The paper explores the tensions between constitutional rights, court victories, legislative backlash and social attitudes shaping the lived realities of LGBT Namibians – and asks how far Namibia still has to go in building a truly inclusive democracy.

Download the full report at the link below:

https://ippr.org.na/publication/not-yet-uhuru/

In partnership with the Embassy of Ireland, Zambia

Happy Africa Day 2026! 🌍✨

True independence and progress are built on a foundation of transparency, strong public institutions, and accountable governance. Today, we celebrate our continent's rich heritage and reaffirm our commitment to research that empowers citizens, strengthens democracies, and helps shape a sustainable future for all Africans.

A stronger Africa depends on leaders who place human rights, integrity, and public service above personal gain.

Happy Africa Day!

The latest edition of the Green Hydrogen Monitor is now available.

Issue 5 — Questions, Perspectives and Dialogues — explores the shifting politics, evolving debates and emerging realities surrounding Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions.

The publication includes:
• Analysis of how “Contracts for Difference” could shape Namibia’s green hydrogen future
• Updates on recent developments in the sector and industrial decarbonisation initiatives
• Perspectives from communities affected by proposed projects
• Reflections from international “dialogues from below” on green hydrogen and justice
• Insights into skills gaps and Namibia’s preparedness for a green industrial economy

As global energy politics shifts and Namibia balances oil, gas and green ambitions, the conversation around green hydrogen is becoming more complex – and more important.

Read/download the publication below.

Green Hydrogen - Questions, Perspectives and Dialogues - IPPR This edition of the Green Hydrogen Monitor examines the evolving debates around the green hydrogen sector – including industrialisation, finance, community engagement, environmental concerns, skills development, and the shifting political landscape around ‘green’ energy.

During a constructive engagement with Minister Emma Theofelus and senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, civil society representatives discussed progress towards the implementation of Namibia’s Access to Information Act.

At the meeting this week civil society was represented by Graham Hopwood of the IPPR (also representing Action Namibia), Dickson Kasote of the NMT Media Foundation and Ethne Mudge of the Civil Society Information Centre Namibia

The meeting focused on the preparations for the establishment of the Office of the Information Commissioner, public education and institutional readiness, as well as opportunities for collaboration between government and civil society to support implementation of the Act. Participants welcomed government’s continued commitment to operationalising the legislation and emphasised the importance of ensuring that the process is properly resourced and effectively implemented.

Civil society representatives also highlighted the need for proactive disclosure of information, improved public access to government information, and broader awareness and training initiatives to ensure the Act can function effectively once operational.

Photos: Ministry of Information and Communication Technology - Republic of Namibia