The aim of this study was to analyze the role of churches in Namibia’s economic
development, by tracing the role churches play in the provision of education,
health services, asset ownership, and provision of social safety nets. The study
was carried mainly in Windhoek, where most churches headquarters are located
and the data used in this study were obtained through direct interviews and
questionnaires. The results show that the majority of churches have their
headquarters in the capital city (Windhoek) and bigger towns, and all churches
are involved in one way or another in the provision of education, health services
and providing social safety nets. Churches are major employers and play a
significant role in poverty alleviation. The study also finds that household
characteristics such as income level, economic activities, and level of
unemployment and poverty are significant in attracting entry of new churches
and determining location of church headquarters in Namibia.