About
Naita Hishoono. A bridge between worlds.
Advisor, analyst and speaker on governance, democracy and Namibia–Germany relations – with 20 years of experience in Namibian civil society and a biography that spans two continents.
My story
Growing up in the GDR
During Namibia’s liberation struggle, around 470 Namibian children were brought to the GDR for their safety and education. I was one of them. From 1979 to 1990 I grew up and went to school in East Germany – shaped by international solidarity and an early understanding of political systems.
Coming home in 1990
In the year of Namibia’s independence I returned to a country I first had to get to know. I finished school in Windhoek, studied politics at the University of Namibia and worked for the German-language radio service of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.
Twenty years for democracy
Since 2006 I have worked at the Namibia Institute for Democracy – first as Programme Director and, since 2015, as Executive Director. Our work empowers citizens to take part in governance and decision-making. I have mentored more than 100 young professionals, many of whom now work in government, NGOs and international organisations.
Why an independent practice
More and more organisations ask for context, briefings and talks. My independent practice makes this experience directly available – in a clear format, with a clear mandate, and to the organisations that need it most.
Milestones
1979–1990
Childhood and schooling in the GDR
One of around 470 Namibian children in the GDR.
1990
Return to independent Namibia
School in Windhoek, then politics at the University of Namibia.
2006–2015
Programme Director, NID
Civic education and democratic participation programmes.
since 2015
Executive Director, NID
Leading national and regional initiatives for democratic governance.
6 years
APRM National Governing Councillor
Cluster Head for Corporate Governance.
2024
Fellow, University of Hamburg
WONAGO project, Global History / GIGA.
Roles & institutions
Executive Director (since 2015)
Namibia Institute for Democracy (NID)
Leads national and regional initiatives on civic engagement, democratic governance and socio-economic development.
National Governing Councillor (6 years)
African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Cluster Head for the corporate governance thematic area – linking the private sector, development agencies and diplomatic missions to the APRM’s continental framework.
My advisory and speaking work is an independent practice and is not carried out on behalf of the NID or the APRM. Views expressed are my own.
Areas of expertise
- Democratic development & good governance
- Public participation & civic empowerment
- International relations & diplomatic collaboration
- Corporate governance
- Economic emancipation & policy influence
- Namibia–Germany relations & remembrance
Languages
- Englishworking language
- Germanworking language
- Oshiwambo
- Afrikaans
How I work
Independent
Clear mandates, transparent about roles and interests.
Candid
Honest assessments – including the uncomfortable ones.
Confidential
What you share stays between us.
Respectful
Local voices and ownership at the centre.