Namibia has officially joined 37 other African countries in adopting advanced technology for development project management through the launch of the Remote Appraisal, Supervision, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RASME) project. The initiative was unveiled in Windhoek by senior government officials in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The RASME platform represents a transformative shift in the monitoring and evaluation of development projects. By using digital tools to capture real-time project data from implementation sites, it eliminates traditional challenges that have hindered oversight and transparency. This innovative system enhances accountability and improves data collection, particularly in areas facing security, accessibility, or logistical difficulties.
Powered by the open-source Kobo Toolbox platform, developed by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, RASME has already proven effective across the continent. With over 1,880 trained users and more than 56,000 data submissions, the initiative has strengthened project supervision in multiple sectors. The AfDB’s Corporate IT department is leading its technical rollout, working in collaboration with the World Bank’s GEMS team and Kobo Toolbox developers.
Namibia’s Ministry of Finance welcomed the adoption, noting that the platform arrives at a crucial time to optimize data collection, analysis, and management for AfDB-funded projects. AfDB officials emphasized that RASME will enhance Namibia’s capacity for faster decision-making, improved oversight, and tangible results in line with the Bank’s High-5 development priorities.
As part of the launch, a three-day training was conducted for Project Management Units from August 6–8, 2025. Participants included representatives from key national projects such as the Namibia Agricultural Mechanization and Seed Improvement project, the Transport Infrastructure Improvement project, the City of Otjiwarongo Wastewater Treatment and Solid Waste Management project, the Water Sector Support Programme, and the Tax Administration Technical Assistance project, alongside the Development Bank of Namibia.
