Bank Windhoek expands church services

Bank Windhoek has signed an agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia to provide banking and financial literacy support to more than 1,200 employees and church entities.

Bank Windhoek and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand financial education and commercial banking services across the country.

The agreement, signed on Monday 19 October, covers more than 1,200 ELCIN staff members and their families. It also provides commercial banking support to the church’s parishes, subsidiaries, and associated entities nationwide.

Under the partnership, employees will gain access to salary accounts with embedded benefits, savings and investment products, personal, home, and vehicle financing, insurance, and digital banking services.

Bank Windhoek will also deliver financial coaching to assist staff with budgeting, debt management, asset protection, and long-term planning.

Zenaune Kamberipa, financial director at Bank Windhoek, said the initiative was designed to promote financial inclusion and help participants make better-informed decisions.

"Financial wellness coaching and advisory support will help participants understand their financial position, budget effectively, manage debt, protect their assets and plan with greater confidence," Kamberipa said. "This support recognises that financial needs vary according to individual circumstances, income levels and life stages."

ELCIN general secretary Johannes Haufiku described the deal as a vital step in strengthening the church’s administrative, educational, and social responsibilities.

However, Haufiku stressed that the true value of the agreement would depend on its practical execution.

"The value of an agreement is not determined by its signing alone, but by how faithfully and effectively it is implemented," he said.

Both institutions said long-term collaboration would be essential, with ELCIN raising awareness across its networks while Bank Windhoek supplies dedicated business partners and support channels.