Department of Business Administration (DBA)
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Item International cooperation mechanisms against transnational organised crime: The Namibian perspective(International University of Management, 2025) Ikhomtere, Mupetami Delisia; Afolabi, TundeThis study investigates Namibia’s international cooperation mechanisms in combating transnational organised crime (TOC), a growing threat that undermines national security, regional stability, and the rule of law. Despite being a signatory to various international and regional legal frameworks aimed at curbing TOC including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and SADC protocols Namibia continues to face challenges in effectively implementing these commitments at the operational level. The research was guided by the need to understand how well Namibia translates its policy obligations into practical law enforcement actions, and what institutional, legal, and operational gaps exist in its response to TOC. This study is guided by the realist theory of international relations, network theory of organised crime, institutionalism and international regimes theory, constructivism and norm diffusion, as well as situational crime prevention and rational choice theory. A qualitative research design was employed using a case study approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 participants from key Namibian law enforcement institutions involved in TOC-related activities, including INTERPOL Namibia, the Criminal Investigation Directorate, and the Internal Investigation Unit. These participants were chosen based on their direct experience and involvement in international cooperation tasks. The study found that while Namibia has a strong legal and policy framework, significant weaknesses persist at the operational level. These include limited awareness among frontline officers of international legal instruments, absence of clear and standardised operating procedures, weak interagency coordination, and inadequate training and resources. Cross-border cooperation is often ad hoc and lacks the consistency and structure needed to tackle sophisticated TOC networks. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing training for operational officers on relevant international and regional legal instruments to improve their practical application in investigations and prosecutions. It also suggests developing and disseminating clear standard operating procedures aligned with international obligations and establishing formal interagency and inter-ministerial collaboration platforms to ensure a coordinated and sustained response to TOC. Institutionalising these mechanisms would significantly strengthen Namibia’s ability to engage effectively in regional and global efforts to combat transnational organised crime.Item An analysis of the impact of economic diplomacy on Namibia’s international trade relations with China(International University of Management, 2025) Tuyapeni, Mikael; Afolabi, TundeThis study investigates the impact of economic diplomacy on Namibia's international trade relations with China. Employing a qualitative exploratory research design grounded in critical realist philosophy with a deductive approach, the study conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 21 key informants from Namibia's economic diplomacy ecosystem, including government officials, academics, private sector representatives, and civil society actors. Purposive sampling ensured participant selection based on expertise and direct involvement. Thematic analysis identified patterns and emergent themes. Findings reveal a significant evolution in Namibia-China relations, shifting from historical solidarity to pragmatic economic engagement. Key milestones include Namibia's inclusion in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Economic diplomacy profoundly influences Namibia's trade policies and agreements, sometimes leading to policy adaptations aligning with Chinese approaches like Special Economic Zones. However, concerns exist about policy space being shaped externally rather than serving national development needs. Diplomatic efforts have facilitated increased trade volumes and Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), particularly in mining, fisheries, and infrastructure sectors. However, trade structure remains concentrated in raw material exports with limited value addition, perpetuating structural asymmetries and concerns about limited skills transfer and local content. Key challenges include significant limitations in Namibia's institutional capacity and expertise for effective negotiation, poor coordination among domestic stakeholders, insufficient inclusion of the private sector, academia, and civil society in diplomatic processes, lack of transparency in agreements, and persistent implementation gaps. Global geopolitical dynamics, such as US-China tensions, add further complexity requiring careful navigation. Strategic recommendations emphasize strengthening domestic capacity and coordination, focusing on value addition and diversification, institutionalising stakeholder engagement, enhancing transparency, and improving agreement monitoring and implementation. While economic diplomacy has yielded measurable gains in trade and investment flows, it has largely fallen short of catalysing transformative developmental outcomes for Namibia.Item Exploring the factors affecting the efficient implementation of the African peer review mechanism recommendations in Namibia(International University of Management, 2025) Kotungondo, Juda; Afolabi, TundeThe study was centred on exploring the effectiveness of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in promoting socio-economic development in Namibia, using the recommendations from the APRM report for Namibia. The study only focused on two areas of the APRM, the social area and the economic area. The study adopted a constructivist research philosophy, employed a qualitative research design, and only made use of semi-structured interviews as its main research instrument to address the research objectives and questions of the study. The study was made up of a sample size of 12, which comprised the entire APRM team in Namibia. As a result, the study used the census sampling technique because all units of the population were selected to form part of the study. The data derived from the semi-structured interview was analysed through the thematic approach. The findings revealed that while the APRM enables self-evaluation, productive discourse, and contributes to advancing sustainable development, accountability, and good governance, Namibia faces challenges such as poor agency cooperation and insufficient funding to implement APRM recommendations. Furthermore, awareness of the APRM and its national action plan remains low, and institutional capacity building is crucial for effective implementation. The APRM, a self-assessment tool that African leaders first promoted as a novel strategy created and executed by Africans for Africa, is one of the ways they have responded to calls for good governance. The study was instrumental in finding that among the many difficulties Namibia confronts in implementing the APRM recommendations are poor agency cooperation and a lack of funding to carry out recommendations. In addition, the study was also instrumental in finding that more people need to know about the APRM and its national action plan, whereas institutional capacity building is essential to implementation success. The study recommends the establishment of APRM awards or recognition for areas and organisations that show a great deal of progress in putting socio-economic development recommendations into practice.Item Evaluating border security measures in combating Ngungula service at the Namibia Angola border(International University of Management, 2025) Shilyomunhu, Fillipus; Afolabi, TundeThis research examined “The border security measures in combating illegal fuel sales at the Namibia-Angola border”, referred to locally as Ngungula Service, along the border between Namibia and Angola. It centred on three primary objectives: (1) Evaluating the effectiveness of current border security measures in reducing illegal fuel trade, (2) Analysing how the price differences of petrol and diesel between Namibia and Angola is related to Ngungula activities, and (3) Assessing the relationship between law enforcement actions specifically arrests and prosecutions and variations in legal fuel consumption. Utilizing a quantitative method approach that incorporates descriptive statistics of insights from stakeholders, and linear regression analysis, the study analysed primary cross sectional and time series data and proven that existing border enforcement strategies are moderately effective but hindered by aging demographic, inadequate infrastructure and logistical challenges, and inconsistent patrol coverage. Although price differentials are recognized as the significant factors driving fuel smuggling, regression analysis revealed a weak yet negative correlation between price parity and legal fuel sales, indicating the potential impact of unmeasured variables. Likewise, law enforcement initiatives such as arrests and convictions were found to exert limited deterrent effects on Ngungula activities, with pending cases showing a stronger negative correlation with legal fuel consumption. These results suggest that economic incentives, institutional ability, and the configuration of enforcement collectively influenced the dynamics of cross-border smuggling. The study advocated for targeted recruitment, enhanced surveillance investments, reforms in deterrence-based sentencing, establishment of joint fuel service stations, bilateral engagements aimed at policy reforms. Finally, the study recommended future research to explore comparative analyses across different border regions for generalizable patterns and tailor interventions; adopt multivariate models incorporating broader contextual and socio-economic variables; and assess the impact of bilateral and regional policy changes on cross-border fuel trade patterns.Item An analysis of the impact of digital diplomacy on information sharing using digital tools in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation(International University of Management, 2025) Shigwedha, Ester Tuwilika; Afolabi, TundeThis study investigates the impact of digital diplomacy on information sharing using digital tools in Namibia, particularly Ministry of International Relations and Cooperate (MIRCO) and selected diplomatic missions. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, digital diplomacy has emerged as a critical tool for enhancing international engagement, communication efficiency, and global visibility. Literature review highlights that while digital diplomacy is being rapidly adopted globally, especially in Western and emerging economies, progress in Africa, including Namibia, remains limited. Key challenges include inadequate ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity concerns, low digital literacy among public officials, and fragmented policy responses. This emphasizes the need for institutional adaptation and capacity development, while, theoretical insights from the TAM and institutional theory further underscored the importance of user perceptions, organizational readiness, and structural support in shaping successful digital diplomacy. The study adopts a qualitative research design, drawing on in-depth interviews with 4 political diplomats, 3 administrative personnel, and 2 information and research personnel to explore their experiences, perceptions, and recommendations regarding the usage of digital tools for information sharing in diplomatic practices. Findings reveal that while digital diplomacy in Namibia is evolving, its full potential remains underutilized due to infrastructural limitations, organizational resistance to change, and inconsistent policy frameworks, institutional culture, limited ICT infrastructure, and lack of tailored training also emerged as significant barriers to effective digital engagement and information sharing. Despite these challenges, respondents identified various digital tools, such as cloud-based platforms, intercom system, real-time communication applications, and social media management software that could improve diplomatic productivity, information sharing, and global outreach if appropriately adopted. The study is grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which helped frame the analysis of user readiness, perceived usefulness, and institutional support. It also draws from institutional theory as well as relevant literature on digital diplomacy, ICT adoption in governance, and organizational change. Recommendations include investment in secure digital infrastructure, capacity-building initiatives, customized ICT systems for foreign missions, and policy reforms to align Namibia’s diplomatic processes with global digital trends. The findings provide a roadmap for MIRCO and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness, resilience, and innovation of Namibia’s digital diplomatic efforts.Item Sustainable implementation strategy for community – based programs in Tsintsabis Namibia(International University of Management, 2024) Shilongoh, Ottilie M.; Tafirenyika, B.Since most initiatives in underdeveloped nations like Namibia tend to fail following donor withdrawal or project closure, sustainability has been an important concern for most donor-funded programmes and projects in Namibia. Many NGOs and government organisations have carried out initiatives that failed to provide long-term benefits to the intended recipients once the donor departs. The sustainability component is typically absent from donor-funded projects, which is a result of issues including political instability, corruption, and the absence of community members’ participation. The main objective of the study was to develop a sustainable implementation strategy for community – based programs and projects in Tsintsabis settlement of Guinas Constituency in Oshikoto region. The study was conducted in such a way that the qualitative research approaches was used in the design. A non-random sampling technique was used to collect data from 60 respondents. The respondents were purposive sampled to identify the key informant’s representation. The study also employed convenience sampling to collect data through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion to understand the development of sustainable implementation strategy for community – based programs and projects in Tsintsabis area. The data were analysed using Microsoft excel and the research findings were presented in graphs and pie charts. The study revealed that a lot of government programmes were initiated such as provision of land, establishment of agricultural projects. For instance, horticulture gardens, orchards, education support programs (school and community feeding programs), burial services, community-based camp site, and national documents provision amongst other programs that are initiated by the Namibian government. However, the success was little due to some noted drawbacks such a poor management and leadership of programs which is attributed to the lack of skills and understanding that negatively impact on the programs and projects. There was a lack of education and training amongst many community members including the leaders. Lack of monitoring and evaluation of programme from the government side was revealed by the research participants. The study concluded that regular monitoring and assessment, resource availability, staff training, and community involvement are critical to the continuity and sustainability of donor-funded projects and activities. The research recommends that project members should be sensitised on the various aspects of sustainability and its importance so that they could be more involved in planning for projects sustainability. Government representatives must be required to provide monthly progress reports for the programs that are assigned to them. Project members should also be sensitised on the various aspects of sustainability and its importance so that they could be more involved in planning for projects sustainability.Item Exploring the employees’ views and experiences on the contribution of foreign direct investment on knowledge and skills transfer at Diamond Namibia, Windhoek(International University of Management, 2023) Hainghumbi, Hamutenya; Nakale, MetusalemThis study explored the views and experiences of employees at Diamond Namibia, Windhoek. The study focused on the influence and impact of Foreign Direct Investment on the transfer of knowledge and skills. Foreign Direct Investment is seen as a critical driver of economic development in many emerging economies, often leading to knowledge and skills spillover effects. However, limited research has examined the specific perspectives of employees within the context of a Namibian gemstone enterprise. This study explored the employees' views and experiences regarding the contribution of Foreign Direct Investment to knowledge and skills transfers at Diamond Namibia. The study used a qualitative case study design which allowed in-depth investigations of a single entity. This study used non probability sampling in a form of heterogeneous purposeful sampling. Fifteen (15), employees participated in this study. Data was collected by using face-to-face semi structured interviews. The study reveals that Foreign Direct Investment plays a significant role in knowledge transfer at Diamond Namibia. Employees recognised the value of FDI in bringing new expertise and technology to the company. The findings highlight that FDI might lead to the overall stability of the Namibian economy. The findings of the study indicate that FDI contributes to knowledge and skills transfer. The company should implement mentorship programs that pair experienced employees, both local and foreign, with newer employees. This could facilitate the transfer of tacit knowledge, provide guidance, and foster relationships that enhance knowledge and skills transfer. The study recommends that, the understudy should be made mandatory by the government for smooth transfer of knowledge and skills by passing legislation or regulations that require organisations, particularly those receiving significant benefits from government support or foreign direct investment, to establish mandatory understudy programs as a condition of their operation. The study was limited to a narrow segment of the total population of fifteen (15) employees who participated in this study. The researcher experienced some difficulties in getting the target population as most of them insisted on denying the researcher access to generate data from their respective companies. The study findings indicated that the mechanisms through which knowledge and skills transfers occur are multifaceted. Collaborative efforts, training programs, and knowledge-sharing platforms facilitated by foreign investors have been instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the organisation. Therefore, for future study, it is important to include the government because the government is critical in decision-making processes, as well as in the implementation of rules and regulations. In addition, the researcher recommends an analysis on the impact of FDI on growth. The study is different from the previous ones as they have used the quantitative research paradigm. Moreover, the previous reviewed studies were not properly contextualized in terms of ontological and epistemological aspect compare to this study, hence, the uniqueness of this study.Item A policy framework for housing sustainability for low-and middle-income earners in Windhoek, Namibia(International University of Management, 2023) Iipinge, Hinanentu Ambrosius; Akpo, S.E.The main objective of this study was to identify crucial factors limiting adequacy, affordability, and accessibility of housing to LMIEs with a view to developing a framework to enhance the sustainability of housing for LMIEs thereof. The objectives of the study are to analyse the factors affecting adequacy, affordability, and accessibility of middle- and low-income earners in Windhoek, to establish the factors affecting the delivery of housing adequacy, affordability and accessibility to LMIEs, to analyse the solutions to housing accessibility affordability, and adequacy for low[1]and middle-income earners, to determine the role of housing entities in the supply of adequate, accessible and affordable houses to LMIEs, and how housing entities enhance the satisfaction of low-and middle-income earners and to develop a framework for housing sustainability for LMIEs. Mixed methods research was adopted in which structured questionnaire were administered to LMIES and interviews conducted with both LMIES and other stakeholders in the housing sector in Namibia. A total sample size of 384 participants was targeted in this study, and 284(72.92%) of LMIEs responded to the survey. Eighteen interviews were conducted with government entities from City of Windhoek, National Housing Enterprise and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the descriptive, correlation and regression analyses on the quantitative data in order to identify which factors are significant predictors of housing affordability, accessibility, and adequacy. Word Cloud tool in NVivo and Visualising of the words were performed on the qualitative data to identify the most significant predictors of housing problems among LMIEs. The findings indicate that housing policy and schemes to assist low and middle-income earners (HPLM) have a direct influence on housing affordability (HA). The results demonstrate a direct nexus between ALCH and HA, which implies that when the adequacy of low-cost housing (ALCH) increases by 1%, then housing affordability (HA) increases by 31%. AHLME and HA is 0.08, the path with the lowest positive impact. These results additionally show that when the accessibility of housing for low and middle-income earners (AHLME) increases by 1%, housing affordability (HA) enhances by 8%. The findings iii indicate that an increase of 1% in the housing price in the housing market (HPHM) can lead to a reduction of 34% in housing affordability (HA). Based on the findings above, the researcher proposes the following recommendations: There should be a strong need and commitment by the government to ensure that the performance of public housing for LMIES meet their needs and aspirations. Appropriate policies, regulations and standards need to be in place to ensure adequate, accessible and affordable housing for LMIES.Item Assessing the factors influencing employee turnover in Arandis Town Council(International University of Management, 2023) Mulundu, Taleni; April, WilfredThis study was necessitated by the high rate of employee turnover in Arandis Town Council. The researcher was intrigued by assessing the factors that are influencing employee turnover in Arandis Town Council (ATC). Employees are a company's livelihood; how they feel and how they are being treated at work directly impact their need for commitment to an organization. Thus, assessing the various factors that influence employees’ turnover was imperative. The study focused on three factors namely, remuneration, leadership, and supervision, and working conditions. Moreover, the study used a pragmatic design which is both qualitative and quantitative data capturing methods. Participants in the study included managers, middle managers, supervisors, support staff, and general workers. The target population was 44 and the sample was 13 employees and 5 former employees. A non-probability, convenient sampling was used to select participants. The study concluded that turnover in ATC is greatly influenced by remunerations and tribalism. Additionally, there are inadequate work-related resources for workers to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively in the ATC. Thus, this study suggests that Arandis Town Council management should work out programs that will improve trust communication between supervisors and subordinates. The human resource department should work out competitive market remuneration packages and staff career development programs.Item Investigation into the causes of failure of small and medium enterprises in Namibia: A case study of Bokamoso Entrepreneurial Center in Windhoek(International University of Management, 2023) Ndove, Peuyehafo Perpetuwa; Iroanya, Richard ObinnaSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are important tools to address the challenges of job creation, sustainable economic growth, equitable distribution of income and the overall simulation of economic development. The failure rate of SMEs in Namibia is very high as it is stated by Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development that it reduced employment rate from 20% to 10% as from year 2016 to year 2017 and it is of great importance to investigate the reasons for failure of SMEs which impacts on their performance. The high failure rate of SMEs paints a bleak picture of the SME sector‟s potential to contribute meaningfully to job creation, economic growth and poverty reduction in Namibia. The study investigated the causes of failure of SMEs in Namibia using Bokamoso Entrepreneurial Center as a case study. The study was exploratory, descriptive and analytical in nature it therefore followed a qualitative approach. The objectives of this study were achieved by means of interview and questionnaires that were distributed to 25 SMEs at Bokamoso Entrepreneurial Center in Windhoek, Namibia. 5 SMEs could not fill the questionnaires, only 10 SMEs manage to fill the questionnaires and 10 SMEs were interviewed, which means that the return rate of questionnaires was 20% while the response rate for interview and questionnaires was 80%. Based on the study finding, Lack of financial support, lack of technology, absence of business plan, lack of entrepreneurial training or education and competition were the major cause of SMEs failure. The causes of failure of SMEs that were identified in literature review were poor management skills, poor planning, lack of budget management, lack of customer relations, lack of employee satisfaction, lack of managing cash flows, lack of inventory management and inability to manage growth. The study made some recommendations from the research findings and it is clear that the government and the other role players need to address the challenges and problems faced by the SMEs
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