On 12 November 2025, the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 hosted a Stakeholders in Sports meeting in Windhoek.
The engagement brought together Namibian sports leaders, and administrators from various disciplines to discuss strategies for strengthening partnerships, advancing regional cooperation, and aligning Namibia’s sports development agenda with the broader Region 5 vision.
During the meeting, Mr. Stanley Mutoya, the Chief Executive Officer of AUSC Region 5, presented the history, policy direction, and mandate of the region. He highlighted the importance of sports diversification, digital transformation, and the empowerment of youth and women as key pillars for inclusive sports growth.
He encouraged stakeholders to embrace innovation and collaboration to ensure that sport remains a tool for development, unity, and social change across Southern Africa.
When asked how Namibian stakeholders can engage more effectively with Region 5, Mr. Mutoya urged continued participation in regional initiatives and programmes, including youth development projects, leadership training, and digital capacity building.
He further called on participants to become Region 5 ambassadors, promoting the values of excellence, integrity, and inclusivity in their communities.
Ms. Jo-Ann N. Manuel, Director of Sport at the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), emphasised the importance of peace as the foundation for sporting excellence.
“Collectively, we have peace in our region that’s the only denominator you can find to flourish in sports,” she said.
Ms. Manuel also highlighted the need to value and accommodate refugees in our countries, noting that inclusion and compassion strengthen our unity as a region.
“We must welcome and support one another that’s how we build a stronger, more united Region 5,” she added.
Namibia was commended for its successful hosting of the Region 5 Youth Games in July 2025, which brought together over 2,000 athletes from 10 African countries.
The event demonstrated Namibia’s growing leadership and organizational capacity in advancing regional sports.