National Archives of Namibia

Located in Windhoek, Namibia, the National Archives (NA) maintains the institutional memory of government ministries, offices and agencies; collects and preserves the nation’s history and unpublished documentary heritage; and supports education and research by providing access to these resources. Founded in 1939, NA is also mandated by Act of Parliament (Act 12 of 1992), to supervise and provide training in records management in all Government offices, Ministries and Agencies as well as parastatals.

The National Archives keeps the German and South African colonial government records since 1884. However, not only colonial documents can be found. It is especially proud to house the world-famous Hendrik Witbooi Papers which were inscribed in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register.

It holds 5600 maps, 61000 photographs, 2000 audio cassettes, 450 films and a complete collection of all local newspapers from 1897 to 1962. It also has Namibian sound recordings, especially oral history (currently over 1,300 cassettes). It shares a building with the National Library of Namibia.