Bank Windhoek’s Managing Director, James Chapman.
Bank Windhoek’s Managing Director, James Chapman.

Access to sustainable ­finance enhanced

Innovative financing
Staff reporter
Bank Windhoek is making significant strides in promoting sustainable finance through its thematic bonds, including Green, Sustainability, and Sustainability-Linked Bonds - a first for Namibia. These financial instruments are designed to mobilise private-sector funding to support projects that offer environmental and social benefits, leveraging the Bank’s expertise to assist individuals, public entities, and businesses in financing sustainable initiatives.



Bank Windhoek’s Managing Director, James Chapman, shared that the bank’s overarching goal is to drive impactful change across Namibia and build resilience by funding key sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable water management, clean transportation, and access to essential services. “For the fiscal year 2026 to 2027, Bank Windhoek has set an ambitious target to disburse N$300 million in sustainable finance, blending depositor and other sources of funds to maximise environmental and societal impact. The bank is committed to continued transparency in reporting on its progress towards this target during this period,” said Chapman.



Impact



Bank Windhoek’s Chief Treasurer, Claire Hobbs, said that between June 2024 and June 2025, the bank extended its support to various industries critical to Namibia’s future. “Totalling N$112 million, this includes economic advancement (N$39 million), sustainable use of natural resources (N$6 million), clean transportation (N$9 million), energy (N$31 million), and access to essential services (N$27 million),” said Hobbs.



Projects across multiple sectors have been financed in a concerted effort to drive sustainable development and economic growth. These initiatives enhance renewable energy, clean transportation, natural resource management, education, and socio-economic advancement. The impact of these projects is measured in terms of capacity installed, emissions reduced, land irrigated, educational access, and employment opportunities created.



Projects



Two significant projects received an investment of N$39 million, supporting economic activities that create employment opportunities and foster growth within communities. Four education projects were financed with N$27 million, establishing or upgrading schools and increasing education access. Additionally, nine projects received a total investment of N$6 million, irrigating 67.4 hectares, which has led to increased agricultural production and resource sustainability.



The clean transportation sector received N$9 million for 15 hybrid vehicles, reducing emissions and promoting cleaner transport alternatives. Furthermore, the renewable energy sector includes 32 projects financed with a total investment of N$31 million, resulting in installed megawatt capacity, reduced emissions, and broader adoption of clean energy solutions.



Hobbs said that these strategic investments highlight Bank Windhoek’s commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that Namibia’s economic growth and future are environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-13

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