Governance · Namibia – Germany · Africa
Understand Namibia.
Engage with confidence.
Independent advice, expert briefings and keynotes on governance, democracy and Namibia–Germany relations – built on 20 years at the heart of Namibian civil society.
Seen & heard on
- Schader-Stiftung
- NBC National FM
- Universität Hamburg
- Hitradio Namibia
- NBC
Naita Hishoono · Windhoek
20
years in governance, democracy & civil society
6
years on the APRM National Governing Council
100+
young professionals mentored
4
working languages
Why work with Naita
Headlines don’t explain a country. People do.
International organisations, delegations and companies often engage with Namibia on the basis of reports and second-hand contacts. What is missing is context – the history, the actors and the unwritten rules that decide whether a partnership works.
Inside knowledge
Two decades leading civic education, public participation and election observation in Namibia.
Two worlds, one perspective
Raised in the GDR, rooted in Namibia – fluent in both cultures and both languages.
Continental governance experience
Six years on the APRM National Governing Council, leading the corporate governance cluster.
A network that opens doors
Relationships across civil society, institutions, media and a generation of young leaders.
Services
From a first briefing to a lasting partnership
Start with a single conversation – and grow into research, delegations or an ongoing advisory relationship when it makes sense for you.
- 01
Expert Consultations
The context you need – in one focused conversation.
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Research & Analysis
Evidence you can build decisions on.
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Speaking & Workshops
A voice that connects history, politics and people.
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Delegation Support
Arrive prepared. Meet the right people. Leave with results.
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Strategic Advisory
Navigate Namibia and Africa’s governance landscape with confidence.
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Advisory Retainer
A trusted voice in Namibia – whenever you need it.
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Where I work
One advisor, three perspectives
Whether you engage in Namibia, build bridges from Germany or work on governance across Africa – each context needs its own lens.
For international actors in Namibia
Namibia
Namibia is often described as one of Africa’s stable democracies – and it is. But stability does not mean simplicity. For embassies, development partners, foundations and companies, success depends on understanding the actors, the history and the expectations behind the headlines.
Namibia–Germany relations
Germany
Few relationships are as close – and as complex – as the one between Namibia and Germany. Colonial history, the genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama, the reconciliation debate, development cooperation, green hydrogen: I bring a Namibian perspective to German audiences – in German, and shaped by growing up in the GDR.
African governance · APRM · SADC
Africa
Africa’s governance story is often told from the outside. I tell it from within: as a civil society leader, as a former National Governing Councillor of the African Peer Review Mechanism, and as someone who has spent twenty years helping citizens take part in democracy.
Speaking
Talks that connect history, politics and people
Keynotes, lectures and panels in English and German – from universities and foundations to international conferences.
- Signature keynote
Growing Up Between Two Worlds
As a child of Namibia’s liberation struggle, I grew up in the GDR and returned home in 1990 – to a country I had to learn to call my own. A personal talk about identity, history and social change between Germany and Namibia.
Keynote 30–45 min · conversation format · Q&A · German or English
- Democracy & participation
How Democracies Live
Democracy is not only elections – it is what citizens do between them. Drawing on two decades of civic education in Namibia, this talk explores participation, youth and trust as the everyday foundations of democratic life.
Keynote · panel · workshop · German or English
- Namibia–Germany
Who Remembers, and How? Namibia, Germany and the Colonial Past
The genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama, the reconciliation agreement and the politics of memory: a Namibian perspective on a history that still shapes the relationship between both countries.
Lecture · keynote · panel · German or English
About Naita
Between two worlds – and at home in both.
I grew up in the GDR as one of around 470 Namibian children during the liberation struggle and returned home in 1990. For 20 years I have worked for democracy and participation in Namibia – today as Executive Director of the Namibia Institute for Democracy. Through my independent practice, I make this experience available to organisations that want to engage with Namibia and Africa in a well-informed way.
Seen & heard
On air, on stage and in the lecture hall
A selection of public appearances – each with a link to the original source.
- Schader-Stiftung, DarmstadtTalk & panelNovember 2026UpcomingKeynote at the 14th Grand Convention “How Democracies Live”Source(opens in a new tab)
- NBC National FMRadioNovember 2024Election observation: #NamibiaVotes2024Source(opens in a new tab)
- Universität HamburgTalk & panelMay 2024Lecture: Namibia–Germany – who remembers German colonialism, and how?Source(opens in a new tab)
- Hitradio Namibia – Namibia hörenPodcast“Auf einen Sundowner mit Naita Hishoono”Source(opens in a new tab)
- NBC – Namibian Broadcasting CorporationTVInterviews and commentarySource(opens in a new tab)
How it works
Simple, clear, confidential
- Step 1
Send a request
Tell me about your organisation, your question and your timeline – it takes two minutes.
- Step 2
Free intro call
In a 20-minute call we clarify the goal and the right format.
- Step 3
Clear proposal
You receive a concise proposal with scope, timing and fee.
- Step 4
Work together
Briefing, analysis, talk or ongoing advice – delivered as agreed.
Frequently asked questions
Let’s talk about what you are planning.
Whether it is a briefing, a keynote or a delegation – one short message is enough to start.