Windhoek’s Central Business District (CBD) has emerged as a focal point of the city’s economic agenda, with municipal leaders pledging urgent action to revive it. During the Ordinary Council Meeting last week, Windhoek Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja announced a critical engagement with property owners slated for 13 May to address challenges plaguing the CBD, including infrastructure decay and stalled revitalization efforts. The meeting follows the government’s rejection of a proposed Special Rating Area (SRA) regulation, a tool akin to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) used globally to empower property owners to fund urban renewal.
The SRA framework, designed to enable collective investment in maintenance, safety, and beautification, was seen as a lifeline for the CBD, which has struggled with declining foot traffic and dilapidated infrastructure. Mayor Larandja emphasized the CBD’s role as an economic engine, stating, “A thriving CBD is vital for small businesses, job creation, and attracting investment. We must collaborate to reclaim its vibrancy.” The upcoming dialogue aims to forge partnerships between the city and property owners to explore alternative strategies, though details remain under wraps.
The push to revive the CBD aligns with broader economic initiatives outlined in the mayor’s address. The Fifth Edition of the Windhoek Business Summit, scheduled for 5 July 2025 under the theme “Building Sustainable SMEs for a Thriving Economy,” seeks to bolster small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—a sector crucial to Namibia’s employment landscape. Keynote speaker Connie Ferguson, a prominent actress and entrepreneur, will headline the event, which aims to foster collaborations between businesses, financial institutions, and government.
Windhoek’s economic strategy also leans on international partnerships. The city recently strengthened ties with UN-Habitat to advance its Smart City Strategy, leveraging technology for sustainable urban development. Additionally, a new Memorandum of Understanding with Blantyre, Malawi, promises knowledge exchange in tourism and heritage preservation, while EU support for initiatives like the Shack Dwellers Federation underscores cross-sectoral efforts to combat urban poverty.
However, challenges persist. The mayor highlighted irregular funding for local authorities despite Windhoek’s significant revenue contributions, urging reforms to the Local Authorities Act to secure sustainable financing. Meanwhile, the CBD’s revival faces hurdles without the SRA mechanism, requiring innovative solutions to mobilize private-sector investment.
As Windhoek navigates these complexities, the focus remains on inclusive growth. The city’s alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and partnerships with global entities reflect a holistic approach to economic resilience. For residents and businesses alike, the stakes are clear: a revitalized CBD and empowered SMEs could redefine Windhoek’s economic trajectory, turning challenges into catalysts for renewal.