Budget cut could limit One Economy initiatives

Continues to safeguard health, education and development programmes
A 25% reduction in donor funding has led to staff cuts at One Economy Foundation, with the non-profit warning that expansion plans will be affected.
Rozanne Swart
  • 1 Day Ago

A 25% reduction in donor funding has forced One Economy Foundation to restructure its operations, with the organisation reducing staff numbers while seeking to protect its core youth services.

The reduction, caused by a funding cut from one of the foundation’s top five donors, has led to a decrease in permanent staff from 37 to 25 employees.

One Economy Foundation said the funding decline reflects broader challenges facing non-profit organisations globally and is not linked to internal performance issues. The organisation said it had prioritised maintaining services directly supporting young people.

Its existing programmes, including Sexual and Reproductive Health services, mental health support from clinical psychologists and social workers, STEM education, after-school care, skills development and entrepreneurship training, will continue. Community outreach through mobile vans will also remain in place.

Simon Shindinge, a student at the University of Namibia (UNAM), welcomed the foundation’s decision to maintain frontline services. “I appreciate that the foundation has made a deliberate decision to protect its frontline services. By maintaining core programmes, existing beneficiaries will continue receiving quality support,” he said.

However, the funding reduction is expected to affect the organisation’s ability to expand its reach and introduce services in new communities.

Al-bright Sudden Shigwedha, founder of The Lotus Project, said such programmes often provide young people with access to information, mentorship and guidance. “In many cases, these programmes are not just extra support; they are often one of the few structured spaces where young people are exposed to information, mentorship and conversations that shape their decisions and future pathways,” he said.

One Economy Foundation said it was working to diversify its funding sources to strengthen its long-term sustainability while continuing to support young people already benefiting from its programmes.