Mwiya: N$50m needed yearly for Olympic push
Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) chief administrator Freddy Mwiya says at least N$50 million per year is required to adequately support elite athletes in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Mwiya has called on the sports ministry to allocate more funding towards the Podium Performance Programme (PPP), which supports athletes preparing for major international competitions.
The PPP is the country’s first initiative of its kind, launched last October in collaboration with the sports ministry, the NSC and the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) under the African Union Sports Council Region Five.
It comprises 117 athletes across 13 sports codes, including aquatics (swimming), archery, athletics, boxing, chess, cycling, gymnastics, judo, karate, para sport, tennis, triathlon and wrestling.
Athletes in the programme are top performers in their respective codes and are supported by the NSC through funding and access to international competitions in a bid to qualify for the Games.
Mwiya made the remarks earlier this week at the launch of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) U18 Junior World Tennis Tour at the Central Tennis Courts in Olympia, Windhoek, where five of the eight tennis players in the PPP are competing.
He said the NSC has covered the players’ registration fees for the tour, which began on Monday and runs until next Saturday.
No allocation in current budget
In the 2025-26 financial year, the sports ministry allocated N$7 million towards elite athlete preparations for international competitions.
However, the NSC noted that only N$5 million of that amount was disbursed, creating a shortfall. It added that no allocation was made for the PPP in the current 2026-27 budget, despite sport being recognised as the second priority sector.
“The N$5 million came in March this year. As I am speaking, we have already used over N$1 million from that money to fund athletes in tennis, wrestling, gymnastics, athletics, archery, aquatics and karate who are representing or set to represent the country at major international events.
“We accepted the N$5 million [short of the promised N$7 million] because we were under the impression that we would receive additional funding in the new financial year. It came as a surprise that no allocation was made towards the PPP in the budget,” said Mwiya.
He stressed that investment in elite athletes should not be compromised if the country is serious about competing internationally.
“The allocated N$5 million is very little, to be honest. We need more. But I am quite happy because at least we can start somewhere.
“We are preparing for various African championships, the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympic Games, and we need approximately N$50 million per year to run the programme and fully support the athletes.
“We have a shortfall of about N$45 million annually. I also requested N$10 million this year and received nothing. I will approach the sports ministry again during the mid-term budget review to resubmit the request,” he said.
At the time of going to print, attempts to obtain a comment from the sports ministry had not yielded a response. The ministry indicated that it would follow the necessary channels and respond in due course.
Corporate support needed
Mwiya said the NSC has established a task force to drive fundraising and is calling on corporate Namibia to support elite athletes.
“The emphasis is on serious corporates that can invest in these athletes and help them qualify for the Olympic Games.
“We do not want corporates to only celebrate athletes when they return with medals. They should invest beforehand to help them reach that level,” he said.
He added that partnerships should focus on direct athlete support rather than general funding.
“We want a situation where corporates can, for example, fund a nutrition coach or cover travel costs directly. That is the kind of support we are looking for, not simply contributions to our bank account,” he said.
Botswana model cited
Mwiya pointed to Botswana’s investment in sprint star Letsile Tebogo, who won the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the 200 metres.
Reports indicate that Tebogo’s training and career were supported by a mix of national, private sector and international sponsorships ahead of the Olympics.
Orange Botswana contributed over two million Botswana pula (approximately N$2.4 million) to the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), benefiting athletes including Tebogo.
In 2024, in the lead-up to the Olympics, Tebogo was also named a global ambassador for De Beers, further supporting his career and sports development in Botswana.
“That is what we want to replicate here at home, not a N$10 investment,” said Mwiya.
Athletes urged to deliver
Mwiya urged athletes to take the opportunity seriously, noting that they are part of the first group to benefit from the PPP.
“You must prepare thoroughly for these major international events. When the government funds your expenses, do not take it for granted. You are fortunate to be among the athletes supported,” he said.
He added that the programme remains performance-based.
“You do not remain on the programme indefinitely. If there is no improvement, others will take your place,” he cautioned.
He also confirmed plans to bring all 117 athletes together with former elite performers such as Olympic silver medallist Frank Fredericks to share high-performance insights.
Federations, athletes welcome support
Namibia Tennis Association vice president Vekondja Kuzee welcomed the government’s support, saying it enables athletes to perform at their best.
“As soon as we create the right environment, results will follow. We are pleased with the investment being made in tennis,” he said.
He added that the association is actively working to secure additional sponsorship.
National women’s champion and Billie Jean King Cup player Joanivia Bezuidenhout said the programme provides much-needed international exposure.
“To improve in this sport, you need to compete internationally, which is expensive. The government’s support is a major boost,” she said.
Davis Cup player Ruben Yssel echoed similar sentiments.
“Sponsors are difficult to secure in tennis. If corporates come on board alongside government, we can take the sport much further,” he said.
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