Windhoek Smart City Strategy Moves Into Implementation Phase

Windhoek Smart City Strategy Moves Into Implementation PPhase. The City of Windhoek’s People-Centred Smart City Strategy (2026–2036) is set to move from planning to implementation, following a courtesy visit by senior UN-Habitat officials to Mayor Councillor Sakarias Uunona.

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 smart city strategy, which will be officially launched on 15 June 2026.

UN-Habitat Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, described the strategy as a milestone that will help Windhoek harness technology and data to improve service delivery, urban management, and residents’ quality of life. He also highlighted housing as a key area for future cooperation, noting UN-Habitat’s readiness to support efforts 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. Meanwhile, UN-Habitat National Officer Tuwilika Shaimemanya emphasised that the roadmap could inspire similar initiatives by other local authorities, reinforcing the importance of regional collaboration in advancing digital transformation.

Clarence Rupingena, Strategy Advisor for Smart Cities at the City of Windhoek, noted that 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 Windhoek People-Centred Smart City Strategy reflects a commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven urban future, positioning the city as a leader in smart urban development across the region.