Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered the 2026 State of the Nation Address on Wednesday, outlining government priorities and progress under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
According to Namibia Press Agency, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted several key areas of progress, including legislative initiatives, historical reconciliation efforts, land reform, housing, and infrastructure development. In terms of legal and governance matters, the president noted that seven bills are presently on the table of the National Assembly. Notices have been issued for two bills, while nine have been cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation. She urged Parliament to handle these matters with diligence and urgency to support national programmes.
In addressing Namibia's efforts to resolve historical grievances with Germany over the 1904-1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide, Nandi-Ndaitwah mentioned that a resolution is within reach, potentially by the year's end. The reviewed Joint Declaration is set to be tabled before the National Assembly prior to signing, marking a significant step towards closing this historical chapter.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also highlighted the approval and proclamation of 14 townships in the 2025/26 financial period, including Mariental Extension 5 and Outapi Extension 20. Development in informal settlements and greenfield areas, such as Okandjengedi South Extension 2 in Oshakati, was also emphasized. Efforts to service plots have included the provision of essential utilities, with 604 erven delivered in Otjiwarongo and Omaruru through community partnerships.
Larger initiatives involved the servicing of 5,000 erven in Windhoek and 1,200 erven each in Walvis Bay, Rundu, Oshakati, and Keetmanshoop. The affordable housing programme saw 112 units delivered by the National Housing Enterprise, and an additional 3,106 homes provided by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia. Ongoing construction projects include 304 houses in Windhoek and 24 in Opuwo.
Sanitation improvements were also highlighted, with 250 units in Windhoek and 1,019 rural toilets constructed nationwide. Under land reform, 24 farms were purchased at a cost of N.dollars 238 million, aiding the resettlement of 52 individuals through various programmes. Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed the government's commitment to coordinated policy measures, institutional reforms, and sustainable development.