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Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

National Housing Enterprise

Also known as: NHE · National Housing Enterprises

National Housing Enterprise — state housing development organization constructing residential units nationwide, targeting 905 houses in 2025/2026 financial year.

2023-10-012026-09-06
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. May 2026

  2. Windhoek Observer

    National Housing Enterprise (NHE) signed memorandum of understanding with Mobile Telecommunications Limited

    Source

    “Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and National Housing Enterprise (NHE) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving digital connectivity in housing developments across Namibia.”

    MTC and NHE sign connectivity deal

  3. New Era

    National Housing Enterprise is helping address housing shortages

    Source

    “Programmes led by institutions such as the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) and the Shack Dwellers Federation are helping to address housing shortages, while expanded sanitation and water initiatives aim to improve living conditions in underserved communities.”

    Namibia unveils bold development drive at UN …social investment, governance reforms and service delivery take centre stage
  4. April 2026

  5. The Namibian

    National Housing Enterprise is targeted by relocation intervention for illegal land occupation

    Source

    “Municipality spokesperson Anita Kaihiva says the intervention targets people occupying land at Kuisebmond, Build Together designated areas and National Housing Enterprise land, as well as selected backyard dwellers.”

    Walvis Bay starts Farm 37 trek

  6. New Era

    National Housing Enterprise has 22,165 applicants on municipality waiting list

    Source

    “The municipality's waiting list for housing and erven includes 1 600 applicants under the Build Together Housing programme, 22 165 for the National Housing Enterprise, and 2 240 pre-approved clients.”

    Walvis: Housing crisis drives electricity consumption

  7. New Era

    National Housing Enterprise received additional allocation of N$1.5 billion for accelerating house construction

    Source

    “A significant highlight of the budget is an additional N$1.5 billion allocated from outside the State revenue fund through the National Housing Enterprise (NHE), aimed at accelerating the construction of houses nationwide and addressing Namibia's growing housing backlog.”

    NHE receives N$1.5b …informal settlements, rural development tops priorities
  8. March 2026

  9. New Era

    National Housing Enterprise provides grants and support for development spending beyond N$6.5 billion

    Source

    “On development spending, Shafudah highlighted that allocations extend beyond the N$6.5 billion reflected in the budget, incorporating grants, loans, and support from institutions such as the National Housing Enterprise and the Road Fund Administration.”

    Shafudah responds to budget critique

  10. New Era

    National Housing Enterprise partnered with Bukalo to construct dozens of low-cost homes

    Source

    “Through partnerships with the National Housing Enterprise and private financiers, dozens of low-cost homes have been constructed, while hundreds of erven have been allocated to residents.”

    Bukalo successfully hosts Independence Day

  11. The Namibian

    National Housing Enterprise had power in the Mass Housing Development Programme

    Source

    “The programme had too many "homes", from the ministry to the National Housing Enterprise, to regional councils and town councils.”

    Avoiding the Ghosts of Mass Housing Past

  12. New Era

    National Housing Enterprise says affordable housing remains critical to addressing the shortage

    Source

    “The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) says affordable housing remains critical to addressing the shortage.”

    Humanity over profit

  13. The Namibian

    National Housing Enterprise delivered 112 housing units across the country

    Source

    “Amukoto said during the last financial year, only 58 housing units were built in Windhoek through the mass housing programme, 24 at Opuwo, while 112 housing units were delivered by the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) across the country.”

    Urban ministry’s reduced N$1.9-billion budget to increase housing backlog, says IPC
Society

Weak incomes and slow land delivery worsen housing affordability crisis

The News

A Simonis Storm Research analysis finds that home ownership in Namibia is becoming unattainable for most households due to weak incomes, inadequate serviced land supply, and high construction costs. The report estimates a gross monthly income of over N$43,000 is needed to afford the national average house price of N$1.46 million, while 54.1% of adults reported monthly incomes of N$2,000 or less.

2 September 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Weak incomes and slow land delivery worsen housing affordability crisis

    A Simonis Storm Research analysis finds that home ownership in Namibia is becoming unattainable for most households due to weak incomes, inadequate serviced land supply, and high construction costs. The report estimates a gross monthly income of over N$43,000 is needed to afford the national average house price of N$1.46 million, while 54.1% of adults reported monthly incomes of N$2,000 or less.

    2 September 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Namibians need N$44,000 monthly salary to afford homes

    A housing affordability report shows the average house price reached N$1.46 million in the second quarter of 2026, requiring a monthly income of about N$43,765 to secure financing. Housing expert Namene Kalili attributes the shortage to insufficient housing construction—Namibia needs to service around 5,000 plots annually but falls far short—compounded by building supply industry constraints.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 3 August

  1. Charene Labuschagne crowned Miss Namibia 2026

    Charene Labuschagne was crowned Miss Namibia 2026 at a ceremony at Die Dam Resort on Saturday evening after competing against nine other finalists. Rachelle Hamases was named first runner-up and Albertina Haimbala second runner-up; Labuschagne received prizes including a house, luxury vehicle, and cash.

    3 August 2026 · New Era →

Friday 31 July

  1. Over 35,500 people await housing in northern Namibian towns

    More than 35,500 people are on waiting lists for residential land across Oshakati, Ondangwa, and Ongwediva, with Oshakati accounting for over 18,000 applicants. Local authorities cite rising demand for serviced land as a major challenge and are developing new townships to address the shortage.

    31 July 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Namibia's housing deficit reaches 300,000 units amid urbanisation

    Namibia's housing shortage has grown to approximately 300,000 units from about 80,000 in 2007, with rapid urbanisation and rising construction costs straining supply. Windhoek's population expands at 3.1% annually while informal settlements grow at 6.1%, with approximately 11,000 new informal dwellings added yearly against formal housing demand of 15,000 units annually.

    22 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 17 July

  1. Namibia's housing deficit widens despite economic recovery

    Around 11,000 new shacks are erected annually across Namibia, reflecting an expanding housing crisis driven by urban migration that outpaces formal housing delivery. The estimated housing deficit has grown to approximately 300,000 homes, nearly four times higher than the 80,000-unit backlog recorded in 2007.

    17 July 2026 · New Era →

  2. 11,000 annual shacks worsen Namibia's housing crisis

    Around 11,000 new shacks are erected across Namibia annually, reflecting an urban migration and housing deficit deepening faster than formal housing delivery can address. Economists estimate Namibia's housing deficit has ballooned to around 300,000 homes, nearly four times higher than the 80,000-unit backlog recorded in 2007.

    17 July 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 16 July

  1. Swapo denies managing Farm 37 housing list at district office

    Swapo Party's Walvis Bay Rural district coordinator Patrick Barthomeus has denied allegations that the party is managing the municipal housing beneficiary list for the Farm 37 housing project from its district office, calling such claims "malicious lies and propaganda." He stated that Swapo Party district offices are not government institutions and lack the mandate or authority to carry out government functions like housing allocation.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 6 July

  1. Young professionals struggle with Windhoek rental costs

    Young professionals in Windhoek report that rising rental costs make independent living increasingly unaffordable despite employment, with tenants facing high prices, outdated units, and restrictive lease conditions that consume large portions of their salaries.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 28 June

  1. Minister directs NHE to extend chief executive contract

    The minister of urban and rural development has directed the National Housing Enterprise board to extend chief executive Gisbertus Mukulu's contract until a replacement is appointed and assumes office, citing the need for stability and institutional memory during a leadership transition.

    28 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 25 June

  1. Minister directs NHE to extend CEO contract until successor takes over

    Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has directed the National Housing Enterprise board to renew or extend CEO Gisbertus Mukulu's contract until a new leader is appointed and assumes duty, with the extension lasting until the end of September or when a new CEO starts, whichever comes first.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 16 June

  1. NHE rejects housing target call from development minister

    The National Housing Enterprise has dismissed urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa's call to build 10,000 houses a year, stating its official annual target differs.

    16 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 12 June

  1. Walvis Bay Municipality cancels sale of 67 residential plots

    Walvis Bay Municipality has cancelled the sale of 67 erven, of which 66 were single residential plots for first-time buyers, following a ministerial directive. Non-residential plots will proceed with sale as planned.

    12 June 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Housing loans need long terms to remain affordable, economist argues

    An opinion piece argues that Prime Minister Ngurare is right to worry about housing repossessions but mistaken in criticizing banks for offering 20-year home loans; the author contends that longer loan terms are necessary to keep monthly payments affordable for ordinary workers, and that shorter terms would exclude all but the wealthy from homeownership.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 1 June

  1. Labour Court orders NHE to reinstate fired executive with backpay

    The Labour Court found that the National Housing Enterprise's 2021 dismissal of former executive Willem Titus was unfair and ordered the company to reinstate him within 30 days and pay backpay from December 2021 to reinstatement, less any income earned in alternative employment. The court upheld findings that Titus committed misconduct but determined dismissal was disproportionately harsh a penalty.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. High Court orders NHE to reinstate former executive and pay compensation

    The High Court has ordered the National Housing Enterprise to reinstate former sales and lending executive Willem George Titus and pay him N$3.7 million, finding his 2021 dismissal was substantive.

    1 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 28 May

  1. 70% of Namibians unable to afford formal housing

    Less than 10% of the working population hold home loans; 70% of the population cannot afford formal housing due to low incomes and limited mortgage access, according to central bank data. Average house prices have risen from N$200,000 in 2000 to between N$1.3 million and N$1.4 million today, while the average working Namibian earns N$5,000 or less per month.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 15 May

  1. NHE targets 905 houses for 2025/2026 financial year

    The National Housing Enterprise plans to construct 905 houses across Namibia during the 2025/2026 financial year as part of efforts to reduce the country's housing backlog. Since its establishment in 1993, NHE has constructed more than 21 545 housing units nationwide.

    15 May 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. MTC and NHE sign five-year connectivity partnership

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited and National Housing Enterprise have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand telecommunications infrastructure in NHE housing developments across Namibia. The partnership will include co-trenching opportunities for fibre installation and other telecommunications services, aiming to reduce costs and accelerate internet access for residents.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 7 May

  1. Namibia presents development priorities at UN governance review session

    At the 52nd Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Namibia outlined its national development drive centred on service delivery, economic resilience and governance reforms. The country emphasised the National Development Plan Six, which focuses on economic recovery, human development, green growth and effective governance, with poverty eradication and expanded social protection systems as key priorities.

    7 May 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Walvis Bay council approves temporary relocation of illegal land occupants

    The Walvis Bay municipal council has approved a plan to relocate residents illegally occupying land at Kuisebmond and other areas to a temporary site at farm 37, as part of measures to address illegal land occupation and enforce land management. The relocation will include selected backyard dwellers and 50 households from Narraville, with residents required to sign permission to occupy certificates that will regulate their temporary stay.

    21 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. Walvis Bay housing shortage drives soaring electricity consumption

    Rapid population growth and proliferation of informal backyard housing in Walvis Bay have driven electricity consumption to record levels, with the suburb of Kuisebmond alone consuming 54% of Swakopmund's total power use. The municipality faces increasing pressure to provide affordable housing and land, with approximately 23 000 backyard shacks housing 42 000 people and thousands more on waiting lists.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

Friday 10 April

  1. LPM boycotts presidential address, citing recycled promises

    The Landless People's Movement boycotted President Nandi-Ndaitwah's State of the Nation Address, calling it political theatre that masks poor governance; the presidency responded that dialogue is essential in a democracy and that such absences represent a missed opportunity to raise concerns.

    10 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Ministry receives N$2b budget; housing backlog priority

    The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has been allocated N$2 billion for 2026/2027, with an additional N$1.5 billion from the National Housing Enterprise to accelerate housing construction and address Namibia's housing backlog. The ministry has prioritised informal settlement formalisation and rural development, though infrastructure constraints—particularly ageing sewer systems requiring an estimated N$2.5 billion in upgrades—threaten to slow progress.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Finance Minister defends 2026/27 budget against parliamentary concerns

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah defended the N$104 billion 2026/27 budget, stating it balances fiscal consolidation with economic support without introducing broad-based tax increases. She addressed parliamentary concerns about taxation, public debt levels, and sectoral allocations, emphasizing that development spending extends beyond the official figures and that agricultural financing should be viewed holistically including through Agribank.

    26 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 23 March

  1. Bukalo village marks independence amid rural development gains

    As Namibia marked 36 years of independence, Bukalo Village Council reported progress in housing, water supply, road infrastructure, and local economic growth, with the village's population growing from 800 in 2011 to nearly 2,000 in 2023. Village Council CEO Anna Sazita attributed the developments to partnerships with the National Housing Enterprise and support from the Road Fund Administration, noting improvements in sewer systems and water pressure alongside new projects including a sports stadium and open market.

    23 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 22 March

  1. New housing task force must learn from failed mass programme

    A land and spatial sciences professional warns that Namibia's new presidential task force on land and housing risks repeating the mistakes of the failed Mass Housing Development Programme unless it addresses past failures—including poor accountability, weak project management, cost overruns, unaffordable units, inadequate local authority support, and lack of transparency.

    22 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 March

  1. PM calls for protection against home repossession after years of payments

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged financial institutions to protect homeowners from repossession even after decades of payments, calling for a national dialogue to find fair solutions that prioritise "humanity over profit". He also questioned why housing loans span decades compared to vehicle loans and highlighted Namibia's severe housing crisis, with a backlog of over 300,000 houses.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

Friday 13 March

  1. Urban ministry's budget cut will worsen housing backlog, IPC warns

    An IPC parliamentarian criticized the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development's reduced N$1.9-billion budget, arguing it will fail to address Namibia's housing shortage. He noted the ministry received N$2.7 billion the previous year but built only 194 housing units in Windhoek and Opuwo combined, while an estimated 12,000 shacks are erected annually.

    13 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Minister bans private developers from government-serviced land

    Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has directed local authorities to stop allocating government-serviced land to private developers, arguing that public land should support affordable housing for low-income citizens rather than commercial developments targeting those who can afford houses of N$1.5–2 million. The minister said private developers should service their own land and charge market rates, while formalising informal settlements through certificates of ownership would enable residents to access bank loans.

    4 March 2026 · The Namibian →

National Housing Enterprise — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute