The National Planning Commission Executive Director, Ms Wilhencia Uiras and European Union Ambassador to Namibia, H.E. Sinikka Antila, jointly launched the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Namibia, covering the period 2021-2027. The MIP presents priority areas of partnership between Namibia and the European Union for the next seven years.

In her statement, Ms. Uiras noted that the MIP is aligned to Namibia’s 5^th National Development Plan, the Harambee Prosperity Plan and Vision 2030. She appreciated the support especially in lieu of the fact that it will strengthen the collective and shared vision of an educated, capable and prosperous Namibian nation.

On her part, Ambassador Antila said; “Through this programming of cooperation, the EU and Member States commit another 7 years to further support Namibia in human development and education, giving children and youth a chance for a better future. The Programme also supports good governance and strengthens inclusive green growth, creating new opportunities to Namibian individuals and businesses.”

The Multi-Annual Indicative Programme and identification of priority areas was undertaken in consultation with the Namibian Government, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, EU Member States and UN Organizations. The priority areas of Namibia’s cooperation with the EU are as follows:

Priority area 1: Foundational Skills – This includes support to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme to improve the quality and accessibility of ECD, improve equitable and inclusive access as well as quality in ECD and Pre-Primary Education (PPE).

Priority Area 2: Inclusive Green Growth – This priority area will focus on renewable energy, water and sanitation, climate change adaptation and mitigation as well as biodiversity conservation. In order to further support Namibia’s initiatives towards a green economy, the EU is currently also strengthening its Partnership on Critical Raw Materials and Green Hydrogen with Namibia.

Priority area 3: Good Governance and Gender Equality – This priority area will provide institutional capacity building for enhanced governance performance, an improved enabling environment for Civil Society and better service delivery. Support will be provided to e.g. enhance the Anti-Corruption Commission’s capacity and to accelerate the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, to strengthen Parliament, and to address Gender-Based Violence.

For the inception period of the cooperation programme, covering 2021 – 2024, the EU will provide financial support of more than N$ 627,000,000 (€37 Million) for the outlined priorities. The indicative financial allocation for the period 2025-2027, will be announced following the mid-term review of the implementation of the MIP, which will include a dialogue with the authorities and other stakeholders of Namibia.

NPC and the EU look forward to the successful implementation of this extensive cooperation programme. Both parties will continue to strengthen trade and investment efforts, which will play a vital role in stimulating economic growth and recovery.