Windhoek Smart City strategy moves into implementation phase
The City of Windhoek's partnership with UN-Habitat is set to enter a new phase as both parties shift their focus from planning to implementing the Windhoek People-Centred Smart City Strategy (2026–2036).
This emerged during a courtesy visit by senior UN-Habitat officials to Windhoek Mayor Sakaria Uunona on Thursday.
The Mayor welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude to UN-Habitat and its innovation arm, UNITAC, for their support in developing the City's first People-Centred Smart City Strategy. The strategy is scheduled to be officially launched on 15 June 2026. UN-Habitat Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, described the strategy as a significant milestone that will enable Windhoek to harness technology and data to improve service delivery, urban management and the quality of life of residents.
Sylla also identified housing as a key area for future collaboration, noting that UN-Habitat stands ready to support initiatives aimed at addressing urban housing challenges and attracting investment for sustainable development. UNITAC Head Aline Machado Matta said the strategy has the potential to serve as a model for other cities in Namibia and across Africa. UN-Habitat National Officer Tuwilika Shaimemanya described the document as a roadmap that could inspire similar initiatives among other local authorities.
City of Windhoek Strategy Advisor for Smart Cities, Clarence Rupingena, said the completion of the strategy marks the beginning of the next phase of the City's smart city journey.
“We started with an idea, and now the focus must shift to implementation. This will require investment mobilisation, institutional capacity strengthening and strategic partnerships to ensure the vision becomes a reality,” he said.
The implementation phase is expected to focus on turning the strategy's objectives into practical actions aimed at creating a more connected, efficient and people-centred city over the next decade.
