One Economy Foundation
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The One Economy Foundation (OEF) is a Namibian non-governmental organization established in May 2016. Founded by Monica Geingos, the third First Lady of Namibia, the foundation focuses on youth empowerment, public health, and reducing socioeconomic inequality.[1][2] The organization is known for its substantial physical infrastructure projects, primarily the #BeFree Youth Campus in Windhoek, and its national media advocacy regarding gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health.
Foundation History and Partnerships
The One Economy Foundation was launched as a Section 21 entity (Association not for Gain) under the Namibian Companies Act. The foundation aims to address Namibia's high wealth inequality by "building a bridge" between the informal and formal economies.[3][4]
The foundation has secured significant backing from major financial institutions and intergovernmental organisations. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has partnered with the foundation since 2016 to support its sexual and reproductive health initiatives.[5] The Capricorn Foundation (the corporate social investment arm of the Capricorn Group) has invested over N$1 million into the foundation's physical infrastructure and STEM programs.[6][7]
Impact and #BeFree Youth Campus
Unlike charities that operate solely through advocacy, the One Economy Foundation has established significant physical infrastructure to achieve its goals. Its flagship initiative is the #BeFree Youth Campus, a N$40-million multipurpose facility developed within the government-owned Katutura Youth Complex in Windhoek.[8]
The campus, conceptualized after four years of nationwide youth consultations, officially opened in September 2023.[9][10] It operates as a "one-stop center" for young people aged 13 to 30, providing integrated multidisciplinary services. The facility features:[11]
The campus's health initiatives have medical partnerships, such as collaborations with local OB-GYN practices to provide free quarterly consultations, Ultrasounds, and specialized care to underserved adolescents.[12]
Media Advocacy and Journalism Awards
The foundation has garnered extensive, independent coverage from major Namibian news outlets (such as The Namibian, New Era, and Namibian Sun) not just for its programs, but for its active role in media advocacy.[13]
To improve the ethical reporting of sensitive social issues in Namibia, the foundation hosts the annual Media Summit and Awards (previously the #BreakFree Media Awards). The summit gathers journalists, editors, and clinical experts to share best practices for covering gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), mental health, and sexual reproductive health without sensationalizing trauma or silencing victims.[14]
The awards recognize outstanding journalism across print, radio, television, and digital platforms. Notable recipients include investigative journalists from The Namibian, such as Shelleygan Petersen and Tracy Tafirenyika, who were awarded for exposing how workplaces fail nursing mothers and uncovering the online sexual exploitation of minors. Other recognized journalists include broadcasters Charlotte Nambadja (Desert Radio) and Selima Henock (NBC) for their coverage of domestic violence and child welfare, as well as digital media advocates like Shaun Adams for reporting on reproductive health and family planning access.[15]
References
- ↑ "First Lady launches One Economy Foundation". The Namibian. 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ Fund, The Global (2024-11-25). "In Namibia, Comprehensive HIV Services Change Young People's Lives – Global Fund Special Coverage". stories.theglobalfund.org. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
- ↑ "First Lady launches One Economy Foundation". The Namibian. 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Africa Rising: The Change that Should Happen". George W. Bush Presidential Center. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
- ↑ "New centre aims to empower Namibian youth to thrive". UNFPA ESARO. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "N$1m for #BeFree project amidst unclear plan of action". Namibian Sun. 2023-09-11. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Capricorn Foundation Commits N$517,000.00 to One Economy Foundation – Windhoek Observer". 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
- ↑ "First Lady's foundation splashes N$40m on Katutura centre". The Namibian. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ Reporter, Staff (2023-08-10). "BeFree Youth Campus set to open in September". Informanté. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
- ↑ "A transformative hub for Namibian youth officially launched". Namibian Sun. 2023-09-18. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "One-stop youth campus launched". The Namibian. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Expanding reproductive healthcare access for young people". New Era. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "Media urged to challenge bias GBV, mental health reporting – Windhoek Observer". 2025-03-31. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
- ↑ "One Economy hosts second media summit and awards". The Namibian. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ "The Namibian journalists shine at One Economy Foundation's media awards". The Namibian. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
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