Accentuating Corporate Social Responsibilities in Namibia’s Sustainable Special Economic Zones

Abstract

This paper assesses the integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the policy framework of Namibia’s Sustainable Special Economic Zones (SSEZs). As Namibia transitions from the underperforming Export Processing Zones (EPZs) to SSEZs, the paper raises the question of whether the new policy sufficiently addresses the CSR deficiencies of its predecessor. Using a qualitative, interpretive methodology, the paper highlights significant policy and institutional gaps impeding effective CSR implementation, such as the absence of regulatory mandates, inadequate accountability mechanisms and disjointed governance. It suggests a multi-tiered intervention strategy comprising policy reforms, legal requirements and participatory governance mechanisms, to integrate CSR into the SSEZs design and operations. Drawing on international best practices, the paper presents a contextualised framework to improve social sustainability within Namibia’s industrial policy. The results emphasise the need to reconceptualise CSR as a fundamental and strategic component of sustainable economic development.