One Economy raises N$4.9m
The One Economy Foundation (ONE) raised N$4.9 million at its annual fundraising soirée in Windhoek last week, with the funds set to support 21 programmes focused on youth development, sexual and reproductive health, education, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
ONE's 11th annual fundraiser was held at the Mercure Hotel on Thursday, 1 October, under the theme 'Rooted in Purpose'.
The foundation said the funds will help sustain its programmes and strengthen access to essential services and opportunities for young people across Namibia.
Through its various initiatives, ONE aims to address inequality and create pathways for young people to lead healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.
The event brought together national leaders, donors, partners and supporters, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the guest of honour.
The occasion also marked 11 years since ONE was founded by former First Lady Monica Geingos, with the foundation using the occasion to reflect on its work and reinforce the importance of continued investment in youth-focused initiatives.
During her keynote address, Nandi-Ndaitwah said youth empowerment and development remain key government priorities under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), but stressed that government cannot address the country’s challenges alone.
“Empowering the youth is the best investment a nation can make to enable the next generation to drive sustainable growth and development in our country,” the president said.
She pointed to Namibia’s youthful population, noting that, according to the 2023 census, 71% of the population is under the age of 35. The president said this demographic potential would only translate into a demographic dividend if the country intentionally invests in human capital development.
She commended ONE for its work in skills development and entrepreneurship, saying its programmes equip young Namibians with market-relevant skills while supporting micro-entrepreneurs through access to capital and mentorship.
One step at a time
ONE executive director Pauline Thomas Kahupi opened the evening alongside #BeFree Youth Campus member Tarumbizwa Munyoro. Reflecting on the impact of the #BeFree Youth Campus, Munyoro said meaningful change does not always require a major intervention.
“Sometimes, changing a young person’s life doesn’t require one big moment. Sometimes it starts with one opportunity, one safe and non-judgemental place, one person who believes in you, and one reason to hope,” Munyoro said.
The evening also featured the ONE Impact Video, highlighting the foundation’s work and the lives reached through its programmes.
A beneficiary performance titled 'Rooted in Purpose' followed, providing a perspective on the experiences and aspirations of young people who have benefited from ONE’s initiatives.
The foundation said the soirée was not only a celebration of 11 years of work, but also an opportunity to strengthen partnerships needed to ensure its programmes continue reaching young people.
With the N$4.9 million raised, ONE will now direct resources towards sustaining its 21 programmes, covering areas including sexual and reproductive health, education, youth development, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The fundraising comes as youth-focused organisations continue to play a role in expanding access to services and opportunities for young Namibians, particularly in areas where social and economic inequalities can limit their prospects.