Housing crisis needs system overhaul … report stipulates parts of sector not working together effectively
Economist Martin Mwinga has called for sweeping reforms to Namibia’s housing sector, warning in a policy research paper released in July 2026 that the country’s housing crisis cannot be solved by building more houses alone. Instead, the report states Namibia needs better land servicing, improved infrastructure, stronger housing finance and closer cooperation between government, local... The post Housing crisis needs system overhaul … report stipulates parts of sector not working together effecti
Economist Martin Mwinga has called for sweeping reforms to Namibia’s housing sector, warning in a policy research paper released in July 2026 that the country’s housing crisis cannot be solved by building more houses alone.
Instead, the report states Namibia needs better land servicing, improved infrastructure, stronger housing finance and closer cooperation between government, local authorities, financial institutions and the private sector to address an estimated housing backlog of 270 318 units and improve access to affordable homes.
The report, titled Namibia’s Housing Sector: Challenges, Opportunities and Policy Options, argues that the country’s housing problems run much deeper than a shortage of houses. It says the biggest challenge is that the different parts of the housing sector are not working together effectively, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for affordable homes.
According to the study, Namibia’s housing planning backlog now stands at about 270 318 units.
