Events

Launch of Namibian Sign Language App

National Disability Policy Milestone

On September 24th, 2025, over 100 participants gathered at the Walvis Bay Municipality Town Hall in Namibia to mark the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages with the official launch of the Namibian Sign Language App (NAMSLAP). Organized by the Namibia National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Namibia-Angola Office, and supported by the Office of the President, NAMPORT Social Investment Fund, as well as local government and various private sector partners, the event gave visibility to Namibia’s Deaf community, reflecting a national effort for greater inclusion and recognition of linguistic rights. The ceremony was honored by the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, who delivered the keynote address and officially launched the app. Remarks by Anna Hoffmann-Kwanga, Director of the KAS Namibia-Angola Office, as well as the Governor of Erongo, Hon. Natalia /Goagoses, and the Office of the Prime Minister and Walvis Bay Town Council, not to mention the Office of the President Disability Affairs Division and presentations by NNAD Chairperson, Peter Uushona, the app developers (Yobi Code), and EDeaf South Africa, emphasized inclusive literacy, equal access to education and employment, demonstrating the transformative potential of digital tools for social inclusion and a thriving inclusive democracy. Highlights included a panel discussion on foundational literacy, inclusive rule of law, and inclusive private sector engagement. Testimonials from members of the Deaf Community on what it means to “live a day in the shoes of a Deaf Person” enriched the event further. The launch was also graced by entertainment rendered by deaf learners from the Walvis Bay Primary School, and a basic sign language training session, concluding with key insights on digital security presented by SALT Essentials. Overall, the event served to empower Namibia’s Deaf Community, offering practical networking and learning opportunities, with dedicated sign language interpreters supporting accessibility throughout. The MCs, Jessica Gawachab, secretary of the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN) and Beatrice Schultz, Inclusive Education Consultant ensured for an inclusive spirit during the event. The practical skill-building sessions ensured that feedback from attendees and partners reflected strong appreciation for the NAMSLAP launch and 2025 Commemoration of the International Week of the Deaf. Suggestions for improvement centered on enhancing stakeholder communication and future inclusivity at mainstream events, but overall, objectives were met with positive public outreach and awareness, as well as sufficient media attention. In October 2025, Namibia also reached a national milestone: the launch of its first comprehensive National Disability Policy, signifying concrete progress in safeguarding the rights and social participation of people with disabilities. Both initiatives—NAMSLAP and the National Disability Policy— continue to demonstrate Namibia’s commitment to empowering all citizens, nurturing public and private partnership, and promoting dignity and inclusion as foundations of social development and a democracy in action.

National Disability Week in Namibia

Inclusivity in Namibia

KAS Namibia-Angola together with the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN) on 05th and 06th March shared insights on the occasion of the National Disability Week which took place in the Oshana Region, Northern Namibia. The event was attended by key ministries, the National Disability Council of Namibia and other key stakeholders. All relevant national Organisations for People with Disabilities were present to exchange challenges and way forward. The event highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, accountability, transparency and efficiency when developing and implementing sustainable and impactful programmes for persons with disabilities. KAS Namibia together with key stakeholders continue to collaborate to promote inclusivity and favorable regulatory frameworks for the sake of access to services, information and employment opportunities for People with Disabilities. 

World Press Freedom Day 2021

The Sidelines

On 3 May 2021, the media industry globally joined the host country Namibia to celebrate World Press Freedom Day 2021, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration - well known for paving ways for free speech, media freedom and media pluralism in Africa and the world. In celebrating world press freedom day, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and UNESCO Global and local offices have led celebrations by hosting a number of events prior, during and after the global commemorations.

Event Report on the KAS Talent Empowerment Programme

Core Session 2

The Talent Empowerment Programme promises to serve as a dialogue and networking platform to enhance leadership and project management traits within the Civil Society Sector in Namibia and strengthen participant's personal and professional development through soft skills.

Event Report on the KAS Talent Empowerment Programme

Core Session 1

The Talent Empowerment Programme promises to serve as a dialogue and networking platform to enhance leadership and project management traits within the Civil Society Sector in Namibia and strengthen participant's personal and professional development through soft skills.

Great Kunene Leadership Training

The Great Kunene Leadership Training has for the past three years focused on capacitating and empowering the marginalized youth across the seven constituencies in the Kunene region to engage in local and regional initiatives with the objective to develop themselves and improve their future and most essentially, to think differently about tackling developmental challenges in their region and the betterment of the community and region at last.

Leadership Training

Workshop in the Omaheke region

A leadership training for regional decision makers.

Okankolo Workshop für Frauen aus ländlichen Gebieten

Ein Workshop, der vom Projekt Eine Welt ohne Hunger (EWoH) durchgeführt wurde

Der Workshop für Frauen aus den ländlichen Gebieten Namibias soll insbesondere Witwen, alleinerziehende Mütter und verheiratete Frauen über ihre Rechte informieren, welche in der namibischen Verfassung und anderen kodifizierten Gesetzen Namibias verankert sind.

Oukwanyama Ta (Weyulu Ya Hedimbi District) Workshop

A workshop conducted by the One World no Hunger (EWoH) Project

The intention of the workshop was to capacitate the traditional leaders with the necessary skills and relevant information.

Workshop für Wassermanagement

in der Omaheke Region

In dem Workshop soll das Bewusstsein für regionale Führung und die Rolle von Führung im Umgang mit Innovationen im Bereich der Wassertechnologie ermöglicht werden, um Arbeitsplätze zu schaffen und zu fördern.