Pray for Namibia

Known as “The Land of the Brave,” Namibia fought long for freedom. In 1966, the South-West Africa People’s Organization led Namibia in a two-decade-long fight for independence from South Africa. Today, more than 35 years after the war for freedom, the nation is a representative democracy.

Namibia’s climate is hot and dry, resulting in long periods of drought and limited freshwater resources. The country is rich in natural resources such as diamonds, zinc, and uranium, and much of its economy relies on the mining industry. Despite this wealth of resources, more than 30 percent of Namibians are unemployed, making poverty a major social concern. Limited access to healthcare and education adds to these challenges. Women and girls in particular often lack resources and one in three women experiences abuse. Namibia also has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world.

The majority of Namibia’s population is Christian, but some believers blend African practices with Christianity. This can include honoring ancestors, traditional practices, or cultural rituals. About half of the population is Protestant — mostly Lutheran. About 20 percent of the population is Roman Catholic. The San, Himba, and the peoples of the Kavango and Caprivi Strip are the least evangelized people groups in Namibia. Namibia is in need of wise, understanding missionaries, restoration of biblical truth, and a revival of evangelistic faith among believers.