Capricorn Foundation backs Namibia’s first ECD outcomes fund
Today, the Capricorn Foundation has announced its partnership with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) and EOF to support a new outcomes fund aimed at strengthening formalised early childhood development (ECD) in Namibia. As part of this partnership, the Capricorn Foundation has committed a minimum of N$5 million over three years, becoming the first local private-sector partner to support the initiative, a significant step in anchoring Namibia’s ECD reform in domestic leadership.
The Namibian outcomes partnership is currently in the design phase, with an anticipated launch in 2027.
Led by MEIYSAC and EOF, the programme will reach more than 25,000 children over a three-year period.
Funding is provided through an outcomes-based financing model, where payments are made only when
independently verified improvements in child development, centre quality, and nutrition outcomes are
achieved.
Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, said: “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. Their support will help ensure that increased investment translates into real gains for young children and stronger foundations for learning.”
Marlize Horn, Executive Director of the Capricorn Foundation said: “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. We look forward to partnering with MEIYSAC and EOF in advancing transformational progress in early childhood development in Namibia. Early childhood development is where opportunity begins. By backing this partnership, we are investing not only in young children, but in Namibia’s future.”
Amel Karboul, CEO of EOF said “This partnership shows the kind of holistic, systems-change approach
needed to transform early childhood development: local actors taking ownership across the public and
philanthropic sectors, with support that complements and amplifies government efforts. The Capricorn
Foundation's leadership reflects a true ecosystem-wide partnership that will help build the systems Namibia needs for lasting change. It also strengthens a growing outcomes-focused movement across the region, with real potential to shape ECD reform well beyond Namibia's borders.”
Together, MEIYSAC, EOF and the Capricorn Foundation will continue developing the outcomes partnership and mobilising additional partners - building a model designed to deliver measurable gains for young children and lasting change for Namibia’s education system.
