Windhoek: The African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games present a key opportunity for Namibia to upgrade its sports infrastructure, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, said on Tuesday. Speaking in the National Assembly, Steenkamp outlined that various sport venues in Windhoek and Swakopmund are undergoing renovations to meet the preferable standards to host the AUSC Youth Games.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Steenkamp highlighted that several previously non-functional sports facilities and a kitchen at the University of Namibia are undergoing renovation to full capacity. The Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund is being improved, including track and facility repairs. Steenkamp also mentioned that the Windhoek municipal swimming pool is being fitted with a heating system and upgraded to World Aquatics (FINA) standards to allow the country to host international aquatic events in the future.

The games are scheduled to take place from 04 to 13 July 2025 in Windhoek and Swakopmund and will host about 2,022 athletes and officials from 10 countries – Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Steenkamp also noted that the Region 5 Youth Games will serve as preparation for Team Namibia for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.