Staff Writer
Bank Windhoek has reaffirmed its commitment to Namibia’s financial modernisation agenda following its participation in a high-level engagement on the rollout of Government-to-Person (G2P) payments under the national Instant Payment Programme (IPP).
The meeting brought together minister of finance Ericah Shafudah, Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta, deputy governor Leonie Dunn, Bank Windhoek managing director James Chapman and other industry participants forming part of the first cohort implementing the IPP.
Discussions focused on alignment, operational readiness and progress on the G2P digital payments rollout through Instant Payments Namibia (IPN), the entity established to operationalise the country’s instant payment solution.
Bank Windhoek, the Bank of Namibia and two other institutions are leading the G2P use case. The bank is testing social grant payments on the new instant payment platform to ensure system stability, security and efficiency before full rollout.
The initial phase will include a select group of beneficiaries who already receive social grants or pension payments digitally into their bank accounts and who are familiar with digital channels. The phased rollout aims to test the system end-to-end, confirm stability and strengthen security before expanding nationally.
Participants received updates on regulatory and infrastructure developments. These include the deployment of fraud management tools within the IPN environment, the implementation of a national dispute management framework and the gazetting of fees linked to instant payments and transactions.
Shafudah described the programme as a key step in modernising Namibia’s financial system and advancing the country’s transformation agenda. She highlighted priorities such as understanding beneficiary financial behaviour, introducing incentives to shift from cash to digital payments and strengthening cooperation between industry, ministries, regional councils and communities.
Chapman said the Instant Payment Programme marks an important development for Namibia’s financial system, inclusion and transparency. He said Bank Windhoek remains committed to disciplined execution and close cooperation with public and private partners to support the sustainability of the instant payments ecosystem.
He stressed the need for a phased approach. “Digitisation must be done responsibly. By prioritising system stability, affordability and beneficiary readiness, we can ensure that this national initiative delivers meaningful and sustainable value for all Namibians.”
