NNOC-CS sets its strategic direction until 2028

The Namibia National Olympic Committee / Commonwealth Sport (NNOC-CS) Executive Board convened for its annual retreat and board meeting in Swakopmund earlier this month, focusing on strategic planning, governance, and promoting athlete performance for the upcoming Olympic and Commonwealth cycles.

The three-day meeting provided an opportunity to review major milestones and progress made in 2025, and to align priorities for the 2026–2028 period, including preparations for the Commonwealth Games (Glasgow 2026) and the Youth Olympic Games (Dakar 2026).

A key outcome of the retreat was the adoption of the Strategic Code Classification Framework (2026–2036), which introduces an evidence-based approach to prioritising resources and strengthening accountability across sports.

The Board also approved, in principle, the introduction of a Sport Psychology Support Programme for athletes on the pathway to qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, recognising mental readiness as a critical component of elite performance.

Governance and financial sustainability were reaffirmed as central pillars of the organisation’s work. The Board committed to strengthening internal controls, transparent financial reporting, and ethical leadership, while reinforcing an athlete-first approach.

Financial governance and sustainability featured prominently, with discussions on refining financial policies to ensure they are practical, transparent, and adaptable over time.

Emphasis was also placed on succession planning, delegation of authority, and regular financial reporting to National Federations, supported by periodic internal audits. The Board reaffirmed the importance of close collaboration with government and key stakeholders to secure sustainable funding and ensure institutional stability.

Team Preparation and Athlete Support

Drawing from the Namibia CGA Board Workshop, the Board engaged in in-depth discussions on team preparation for major events.

Key pillars highlighted included clear roles and responsibilities, effective stakeholder coordination, strong management and support teams, and realistic performance objectives. International case studies underscored the importance of structured preparation models, transparency, accountability, and continuous review.

The Board recognised that well-defined systems, early planning, and alignment between athletes, federations, and partners are essential to delivering competitive and credible Team Namibia performances on the continental and global stage.

A further strategic focus was placed on holistic athlete preparation, including mental performance. The Executive Board approved in principle the introduction of a Sport Psychology Support Programme for 10–15 athletes on the LA 2028 pathway, recognising mental readiness as a decisive factor in elite performance. This programme will be implemented from 2026, subject to securing funding, with an annual budget of N$250,000.

Corporate Governance and Integrity

Corporate governance was reaffirmed as a foundational pillar underpinning all NNOC-CS activities. The Board emphasised that good governance is not a compliance exercise alone, but a way of life that directly enables performance, trust, and credibility.

Discussions highlighted the importance of balancing compliance with agility, integrating emerging considerations such as digital transformation, AI, and ESG principles, and ensuring that governance structures support, rather than hinder, delivery.

– olympic.org.na