Staff Writer
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has launched its Namibia country strategy paper for 2025–2030, with plans to support the creation of 25 000 jobs for young people and expand key infrastructure across the country.
The strategy was launched in Windhoek this week and sets out priorities aimed at improving access to energy and water, strengthening skills development and supporting economic growth.
Moono Mupotola, deputy director general for Southern Africa and country manager for Namibia at AfDB, said the strategy marks a new phase in the bank’s partnership with Namibia.
“The launch of this country strategy paper marks the beginning of a new phase in our partnership,” Mupotola said.
She said the bank has worked with Namibia since shortly after independence, supporting investments in agriculture, transport, energy, water and sanitation, while helping strengthen public sector capacity.
Mupotola said the new strategy was developed through consultations with government, the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners and communities.
She said the strategy focuses on two main pillars aimed at supporting economic transformation.
The first pillar focuses on investing in infrastructure to support growth in transport, water and energy.
Electricity access in Namibia stands at about 59.5% in 2024. The strategy aims to increase this figure to 70% by 2030 through investment in energy generation and distribution.
The plan also prioritises expanding water infrastructure to improve access for households and industry.
Another focus is improving regional connectivity. The strategy includes plans to upgrade the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi Railway Corridor to meet Southern African Development Community standards.
The corridor links the port of Walvis Bay with markets in southern and central Africa and is expected to support regional trade and logistics.
The second pillar focuses on human capital development.
The strategy aims to create 25 000 new jobs for young people through investments in skills development and entrepreneurship.
Plans include increasing enrolment in technical and vocational education and training programmes and upgrading four vocational training centres into technical colleges.
The programme also seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting youth and women-owned businesses through initiatives such as the National Youth Development Fund and business incubation programmes.
Mupotola stated that Namibia’s sixth national development plan (NDP6), which aims to support economic growth and improve living standards, aligns with the priorities.
She said the strategy also reflects lessons from previous projects and focuses on areas that can support long-term economic change.
Mupotola said the next phase will focus on designing projects, mobilising resources and strengthening institutions to deliver results.
She said the AfDB will continue working with the Namibian government and other partners to support the country’s development plans.
