Renthia Kaimbi
Leaders in the Erongo region say corruption is slowing development and weakening public trust as stakeholders met to shape the next anti-corruption strategy.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) held a consultative meeting at Mile 4 Caravan Park on Wednesday.
The government officials, traditional leaders, civil society and members of the public reviewed the draft national anti-corruption strategy and action plan for 2026–2031 and the proposed national ethics and anti-corruption policy framework.
The meeting forms part of a nationwide consultation process to guide the next phase of the strategy.
An evaluation of the current strategy showed a 71% implementation rate, with 86 of 95 planned actions completed or in progress.
Namibia’s corruption perception index score has remained at 49 for four years, below the target of 65.
The report found that progress was limited by funding gaps, weak coordination and the lack of a monitoring system.
Erongo governor Natalia |Goagoses said the region plays a key role in the economy through mining, fishing, logistics and tourism.
“The Erongo region serves as a critical economic hub for Namibia, with key sectors such as mining, fishing, logistics, and tourism driving both regional and national development,” she said.
“Towns like Walvis Bay and Swakopmund continue to attract investment and economic activity, placing Erongo at the forefront of growth and opportunity. However, with these opportunities comes a heightened responsibility to ensure that governance systems remain strong, transparent, and accountable.”
She said corruption threatens development and stability.
“It undermines service delivery and deepens inequality, eroding our citizens’ confidence in the very institutions that exist to serve them. This is the moment for us to unite and reaffirm our dedication to building a corruption-free nation, leveraging the limited resources at our disposal to combat this pervasive issue,” she said.
Swakopmund mayor Suama Kautondokwa said local authorities must ensure fairness in service delivery.
“Respected guests, ladies and gentlemen. The Erongo Region, and our town in particular, plays a significant role in Namibia’s economic development through sectors such as tourism, fishing, logistics, and small and medium enterprises. As a local authority, we are at the frontline of service delivery, interacting directly with communities and ensuring that development initiatives translate into improved livelihoods for our people,” she said.
“Local authorities are often the first point of contact for citizens, especially in areas such as land allocation, housing, procurement, and basic service delivery. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that these processes are managed fairly, efficiently, and without any form of corruption.”
Walvis Bay urban councillor Albertina Nkoshi said corruption remains a major challenge.
“Corruption remains one of the greatest challenges to sustainable development. It diverts resources meant for public service delivery, weakens institutions, and undermines public trust. As highlighted during our discussions, corruption is not merely a legal or administrative issue; it is a societal challenge that requires a collective response,” she said.
“Each one of us has a role to play. Whether in public office, private enterprise, civil society, or within our communities, we must all act as custodians of integrity.”
She said the next strategy must focus on practical results.
“Your contributions today, your experiences, insights, and proposed solutions, will help shape a more effective and sustainable strategy. These contributions will ensure that the next phase of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy is not only aspirational but also practical and implementable,” she said.
The evaluation showed progress in setting up integrity committees in 37 public institutions and the signing of the access to information act in 2022.
The whistleblower protection act is not yet operational due to policy and funding gaps. The witness protection act only became operational in September 2023.
The ACC receives about 0.17% of the national budget, below the recommended 3%.
In the 2023/24 financial year, the commission reached more than 9 500 people through awareness programmes. Training for teachers on anti-corruption education is ongoing.
The report recommends creating a dedicated secretariat, funding it through a national budget line, operationalising the whistleblower protection act, exploring specialised courts and strengthening anti-corruption education in schools.
Participants said the next phase must move from policy to enforcement and measurable results.
