Windhoek, Sept 30 — Nedbank Namibia has contributed N$150 000 to the Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI) to expand financial literacy roadshows across Namibia, helping bring practical money-management skills and financial education directly to communities across the country.
The funding will enable the FLI to extend its financial education outreach to communities across the country, bringing practical financial knowledge directly to Namibians where they live and work. The importance of these efforts is highlighted by findings contained in the 2025 Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey (NFIS). While Namibia has made notable progress in advancing financial inclusion,
the survey shows that significant financial literacy gaps remain.
Through the financial support, Nedbank is helping to fund the FLI’s quarterly roadshow programme, which will take financial literacy education directly to communities across Namibia. The roadshows commenced in the southern regions, covering the towns of Oranjemund, Lüderitz, Keetmanshoop and Mariental in July. In September, they will proceed towards the west and conclude in the northern and eastern regions December 2026 – January 2027. Activities at the roadshows include community hall sessions, school activations, SME workshops, one-on-one advisory services, mobile learning stations and radio outreach. Educational materials, including joint Nedbank and FLI resources, are distributed, while interactive performances, cultural activities and community engagements help make financial literacy concepts accessible, practical and engaging for people of all ages. The programme also seeks to strengthen partnerships with local leaders, schools, councils and businesses to maximise
participation and ensure that financial education reaches underserved communities across the country.
Financial literacy levels improved from 42.75% in 2013 to 52.94% in 2017, demonstrating positive momentum, yet challenges persist, particularly in saving, budgeting, debt management and understanding increasingly digital financial tools. Recent surveys further reveal that financial awareness remains concentrated around basic products.
While many Namibians are familiar with bank accounts and mobile money services, awareness of investment-related products remains comparatively low, and nearly a quarter of respondents could not spontaneously identify any financial
products. These findings underscore the continued need for accessible financial education programmes that empower individuals to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in the economy.
Recognising the critical role of financial literacy in national development, Namibia has placed the issue firmly on its policy agenda. The recently launched Namibia Financial Sector Transformation Strategy (2025-2035) sets an ambitious target of achieving 85% financial literacy and 95% financial inclusion, signaling the country’s commitment to building a financially capable society.
FLI’s Young Professional in Media and Communication, Beata Shingenge, said: ‘Financial literacy is about giving people the confidence to manage their money and plan for their future. With Nedbank’s support, we can take this knowledge directly to communities, making it practical and relevant to everyday life. Our roadshows are not just about teaching, they’re about engaging people, listening to their challenges, and helping them find solutions that work. By reaching Namibians where they live
and work, we are building stronger foundations for saving, budgeting, and investing wisely. The Financial Literacy Initiative is deeply grateful to Nedbank Namibia for their continued partnership and commitment to financial empowerment. Their support makes it possible for us to expand our outreach, strengthen community engagement, and ensure that more Namibians have access to the tools they need to make informed financial decisions. Together, we are creating opportunities for individuals and
families to feel more secure and empowered in their financial journey.”
For Nedbank Namibia, supporting financial literacy is a commitment to creating positive and sustainable social impact. Over the years, the bank has maintained a strong partnership with the FLI, supporting initiatives that expand financial knowledge and encourage responsible financial behaviour among Namibians.
According to Nedbank Namibia Chief Financial Officer, Victor Maengahama, the partnership between the two organisations reflects a shared commitment to financial empowerment: ‘Nedbank Namibia has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the FLI and we have continuously supported the organisation because of the critical role it plays in our society. By supporting the FLI roadshows, we are helping to ensure that more Namibians have access to practical financial knowledge that can positively change
their lives.’
Beyond supporting awareness campaigns and roadshows, Nedbank has also previously collaborated closely with the FLI on the development of a comprehensive Financial Education Booklet. The booklet serves as a practical guide for consumers and covers a broad range of topics, including financial planning, budgeting, saving, responsible credit usage, financial health, banking products and services, and strategies for making informed financial decisions. It was developed to help individuals better
understand money management and build habits that contribute to long-term financial wellness.
As Namibia continues its journey towards greater financial inclusion, partnerships between financial institutions, policymakers and organizations such as the FLI will remain essential. Financial literacy is not achieved through a single workshop, booklet or campaign. It is built over time through consistent education, engagement and access to reliable information.
By investing in initiatives that bring financial education closer to communities, Nedbank Namibia is helping to create a future where more Namibians can confidently manage their finances, seize economic opportunities and build greater financial resilience for themselves and future generation.
