Renthia Kaimbi
Swakopmund became the epicentre of continental dialogue on public service excellence as Namibia hosted the 19th Africa Public Service Day (APSD) celebrations from 21 to 23 July 2026.
The three-day event, held at The Dome, brought together public servants from across the country to reflect on the role of effective governance in addressing one of the continent’s most pressing challenges, being universal access to water and safe sanitation.
This year’s commemoration was anchored under the theme, “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063.”
The theme directly aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063 and challenges public institutions to move beyond traditional service delivery models by fostering meaningful collaborations with the private sector, civil society, and development partners.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses extended an invitation to all public servants, emphasising that water is not merely a resource but the foundation of life, health, dignity, food security, and economic prosperity.
The choice of Swakopmund as the host city highlighted the national importance of the event, with /Goagoses calling on all public servants to actively participate in the exhibitions, panel discussions, and networking sessions scheduled across the three days, ending on Thursday.
The programme is designed to showcase innovations in public administration and service delivery, facilitating an exchange of knowledge and best practices that will shape the future of governance in Namibia.
The focus on water and sanitation is particularly timely, given the ongoing debates in the country regarding the affordability and accessibility of water.
At the event’s preparatory meetings, concerns were raised that the commercialisation of water is putting the basic service out of reach for many, especially in rural areas, highlighting the importance of the 2063 vision to ensure equitable access.
Namibia has commemorated Africa Public Service Day annually since 2007, and this year’s event provides an opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts of public servants who work diligently to serve their communities.
The executive director within the Office of the Prime Minister, Shivute Indongo has stressed that while the goal is to achieve universal water availability, there is a need to address the growing tension between sustainable supply and affordability.
These discussions reflect a broader continental conversation, as evidenced by similar commemorations in Kenya and Zimbabwe, where leaders have also advocated for stronger institutions and innovations such as solar-powered water systems and digital payment platforms to improve service delivery.
As public servants gathered in Swakopmund, the Governor called on all public servants to reaffirm their commitment to building a capable, responsive, and citizen-centred public service.
The theme for 2026 served as a reminder that achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 requires more than technical solutions; and that it demands robust public institutions, transparent resource management, and the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.
The government has called on attendees to engage meaningfully, ensuring that the discussions translate into actionable strategies that advance Namibia’s developmental aspirations.
