Namibia Sport Commission chief calls for overhaul of sport funding models

Mwiya emphasized that sustainable sporting nations require sustainable funding, proposing a five-layer financing architecture aligned with Namibia’s sixth National Development Plan NDP6. This model aims to shift from short-term, government-dependent funding to diversified ecosystems, combining government anchor funding, strengthened development funds, philanthropic vehicles, permanent endowments, and commercial revenue generation. He stated that commercialization should finance inclusion and strengthen public-interest sport.

Mwiya highlighted that sport has evolved into a significant social, economic, and developmental sector, capable of creating employment, stimulating enterprise, promoting health, developing human capital, and fostering social cohesion. NDP6 recognizes sport development as a vehicle for socio-economic development, peace, and social inclusion, aiming to increase sport's contribution to employment and physical activity participation by 2030. Mwiya argued that traditional financing models are insufficient, as Namibia's sport sector relies heavily on annual government allocations and irregular corporate sponsorships.

He advocates for a move from a funding-dependent system to a diversified sport financing ecosystem, distinguishing between resource mobilization and su