Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia

The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) is a national network of savings groups run by low-income communities. These groups help people in informal settlements across Namibia access affordable land, housing and services. Over 22,000 households in 434 groups now take part.
SDFN began in the early 1990s and has helped 3,200 families secure land and supported the building of 1,350 homes—at a third of the cost of regular housing. Members save small amounts, then apply for loans to buy land, install services like water, and build their homes step by step as they can afford it. The homes are built using local labour and materials, saving money and creating jobs.
The Twahangana Fund, a community-run loan fund, supports construction and small businesses. It offers low interest loans and supports vulnerable members, like the elderly and terminally ill. The fund combines members’ savings with support from the government and international partners.
Women lead most of the groups, and the programme promotes learning and support between communities through local and international exchanges. It has influenced national policy and helped change outdated housing standards that excluded the poor.
SDFN is not just about homes—it builds skills, confidence, and stronger communities. It helps people take control of their development, manage money, and access government support. It also promotes environmental efforts like using local building blocks, planting trees, and harvesting rainwater.
The approach has spread to other countries like Zimbabwe and Malawi through exchange visits. Thanks to its success, Namibia’s government now works with SDFN and sees it as part of the national development strategy.