A woman carries firewood past an old shack.


Every Namibian family and child deserves a safe home and the opportunity to build a secure future. Unfortunately, many still live in shacks that lack basic amenities, including proper sanitation facilities, waste management, and access to early childhood development and learning. We are addressing these challenges directly, helping communities in informal settlements establish the foundation for dignified lives today and for generations to come.

A woman carries firewood past an old shack.


Every Namibian family and child deserves a safe home and the opportunity to build a secure future. Unfortunately, many still live in shacks that lack basic amenities, including proper sanitation facilities, waste management, and access to early childhood development and learning. We are addressing these challenges directly, helping communities in informal settlements establish the foundation for dignified lives today and for generations to come.

Our Story

At Development Workshop Namibia (DWN), we are a growing organisation making a meaningful difference in the lives of communities across Namibia. By focusing on simple and practical solutions, we make change affordable and implementable, resulting in real transformations in the lives of the communities we work with. Our work is grounded in finding solutions through partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, donors, business partners, volunteers, and, most importantly, the community members we serve. We focus on housing and land, early childhood development, and community welfare to build stronger foundations that strengthen communities.  

Founded in 2016, DWN has rapidly expanded its reach across Namibia, running projects in 13 out of 14 regions. Our headquarters is in Windhoek, with field offices in Oshakati, Opuwo, Katima Mulilo, Oniipa, Otjiwarongo, Karibib, Okahao and Keetmanshop. We currently work in over 20 towns across the country. 

Our Vision

Our vision is to build strong, resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We want the impact of our work now to be felt in generations to come – and to be the building blocks of a more prosperous Namibia. 

A smiling woman and her children in front of a newly built house.
A smiling woman and her children in front of a newly built house.

Our Mission

We’re working toward a future where no Namibian has to live in an informal settlement, ensuring that each person has access to safe, secure, and nurturing environments. By connecting people with practical solutions and collaborating with a diverse range of partners, we improve housing and community welfare conditions while promoting early childhood development tailored to the needs of children and parents, laying the foundation for future generations.

Our Core Values

Innovation

We continually push the boundaries to find simple, practical solutions that directly improve the lives of those in informal settlements. By staying ahead of the curve, we adapt to changing needs and deliver results that matter.

Inclusivity

At the heart of everything we do is the community we serve. We are committed to building strong, resilient communities by listening, learning, and collaborating with local leaders, families, and individuals. 

Empowerment

Transparency and open communication are essential in our relationships with stakeholders, employees, and the communities we serve. By being open to ideas, reflecting on learnings and successes as well as failures, we build trust and foster collaboration.

Transparency

We value the diverse perspectives of our team and the people we work with. It’s through inclusion that we can innovate and find solutions that work for everyone. We strive for a workplace and community where everyone feels respected and valued.