Cross-Sector Collaborations for Affordable Housing in Namibia

Namibia is in the midst of a housing crisis: A significant shortage of adequate and affordable housing is posing great challenges for the country and its population. The government has long recognized the severity of the situation, yet despite its efforts to address the housing needs of its citizens, supply has not been able to keep pace with the growing demand. In light of this, cross-sector collaborations have been gaining prominence as viable alternative delivery mechanisms as opposed to the more traditional, government-led provision of housing. By leveraging the unique expertise, resources, and knowledge of each stakeholder group, such collaborative ventures aim to create more inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered housing solutions. Cross-sector collaborations, however, are complex endeavors and should not be regarded as an easy answer to challenging public issues. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of existing collaboration literature, we propose a framework for understanding the dynamics and intricacies of cross-sector collaborations in Namibia’s affordable housing sector, including drivers and initial conditions, processes and structures, as well as outcomes and constraints. Expert interviews are used to refine the proposed framework and to inform strategies for cross-sector collaborations aiming to increase the availability of adequate and affordable housing in Namibia.