Backing for first outcomes fund for early childhood development
The Capricorn Foundation has partnered with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) and the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) to support a new initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood development (ECD) in Namibia.
The foundation has committed at least N$5 million over three years, making it the first local private-sector partner to support the outcomes fund, which seeks to improve access to and the quality of formalised early childhood development services.
The Namibian outcomes partnership is currently in the design phase and is expected to launch in 2027. Led by MEIYSAC and EOF, the programme aims to reach more than 25,000 children over three years.
The initiative will use an outcomes-based financing model, where funding is linked to independently verified improvements in areas such as child development, early childhood centre quality and nutrition outcomes.
Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Sanet Steenkamp said strengthening ECD was central to Namibia’s long-term development goals.
“Strengthening early childhood development is central to our vision for Namibia’s future. We welcome the partnership with the Capricorn Foundation, which reflects strong domestic leadership and shared commitment to improving outcomes for young children,” she said.
Capricorn Foundation Executive Director Marlize Horn said the organisation was supporting a model focused on measurable results and long-term impact.
“As the first local private-sector partner in this initiative, we are proud to support a model that pays for results and prioritises lasting impact,” she said.
EOF Chief Executive Officer Amel Karboul said the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government, private-sector and philanthropic organisations in improving early childhood development systems.
“This partnership shows the kind of holistic, systems-change approach needed to transform early childhood development,” she said.
The partners will continue developing the outcomes partnership and engaging additional stakeholders as they work towards creating a model aimed at improving early learning outcomes and strengthening Namibia’s education system.
