DATE: 18 JUNE 2026
NAMIBIA'S 5TH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS
Windhoek, Namibia – 18 June 2026 – The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) in partnership with the Sustainable Development Advisory Council (SDAC), today officially launched the 5th Sustainable Development Awards (SDA) 2026, opening nominations for individuals, organisations, institutions and communities making outstanding contributions towards sustainable development across Namibia.
Held at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism under the theme "Empowering Namibian Youth for a Sustainable Future" The theme recognises the important role that young people play in shaping Namibia's future through innovation, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, research and community action.
Officially launching the Awards, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel called on Namibians from all sectors to participate and showcase initiatives that are contributing to environmental protection, social development and sustainable economic growth. “Sustainable development is not solely the responsibility of government, it is a shared national undertaking. Across Namibia, individuals, communities, businesses and institutions are developing innovative solutions that protect our environment, create opportunities and improve livelihoods. The Sustainable Development Awards provide a platform to recognise these efforts and inspire even greater action towards building a more resilient and sustainable Namibia" she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, Benedict Libanda noted that the Awards continue to serve as a platform for identifying, recognising and celebrating individuals and organisations whose efforts are contributing to Namibia's sustainable development journey. "The Sustainable Development Awards are about recognising excellence and inspiring action. Through these Awards, we celebrate the innovators, community leaders, businesses, institutions and individuals who are demonstrating that sustainable development can be achieved through commitment, collaboration and innovation," he said.
The Sustainable Development Awards recognise excellence across a broad range of sectors and disciplines and provide a platform for showcasing impactful initiatives from across the country.
Award Categories
Nominations are open in the following categories:
- Private Sector Champions for Sustainable Development
- Start-ups
- Small and Medium Enterprises
- Established Companies
- Community-Level Natural Resource Management and Utilisation Initiatives
- Research and Development for Sustainable Development
- Youth Action for Sustainable Development
- Artist Action for Sustainable Development
- Pioneering Journalism in Sustainable Development
- Best Print Media
- Best Radio
- Best Television
- Best Digital Media Practitioner
- Women and Environment
- Sustainable Schools
- Public Schools
- Private Schools
- Green Financial Services/Institution
- Sustainable Mining and Exploration Activities
- Thought Leadership Award
Trophy Design Competition Winner Announced
As part of the launch, EIF also announced the winner of the Sustainable Development Awards 2026 Trophy Design Competition.
Earlier this year, Namibian artists and designers were invited to submit concepts for the official Sustainable Development Awards trophy. The competition sought designs that embodied sustainability, environmental stewardship, innovation, community empowerment and Namibian identity.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, Ndako Nghipandulwa was selected as the winner. His design was recognised for its creativity, symbolism, practicality and alignment with the values of the Sustainable Development Awards.
The winning design will become the official trophy for the 2026 Awards and the winner will receive a prize of N$30,000.
Call for Nominations
The EIF and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council encourage individuals, businesses, educational institutions, researchers, journalists, artists, financial institutions, civil society organisations and community groups to submit nominations.
To allow for broader participation from stakeholders across the country, the nomination period officially opens on 18 June 2026 and will close on 24 July 2026 at 17h00 PM.
About the Sustainable Development Awards
The Sustainable Development Awards are Namibia's premier platform for recognising excellence in sustainable development. Organised by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia in partnership with the Sustainable Development Advisory Council, the Awards celebrate individuals and organisations whose work contributes to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, innovation and sustainable economic development.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact us:
Issued by:
Nicole van Wyk
Corporate Communications Officer
Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia
+264 61 4317732
ENDS//
_________________________________________________________________________
The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia remains committed to its mandate, which is serving our clients with distinction and upholding our mission of securing environmental sustainability of Namibia.
Website: www.eif.org.na
