The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a landmark $1.78 billion Country Strategy Paper (CSP) to drive Namibia’s economic transformation and foster inclusive growth over the 2025–2030 period. The initiative aims to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including youth unemployment exceeding 40 percent and a decline in per capita income from $5,942 in 2012 to $4,240 in 2024.
“This strategy marks a pivotal moment for Namibia’s development,” said Moono Mupotola, AfDB Deputy Director General for Southern Africa and Country Manager for Namibia. “By focusing on strategic infrastructure and human capital development, we are laying the foundation for inclusive growth that will benefit all Namibians, particularly the youth.”
The strategy emphasizes two core priorities. The first is investment in transport, energy, and water infrastructure to reduce business costs, boost productivity, and position Namibia as a regional logistics hub. These investments will enhance trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, strengthen energy security through renewables, and expand rural access to clean water and sanitation.
The second priority focuses on human capital, promoting market-relevant technical and vocational training, supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and advancing women’s economic empowerment. Through these measures, the program aims to diversify Namibia’s economy beyond mining and agriculture, integrate MSMEs into regional value chains, and enhance manufacturing capabilities, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
Infrastructure improvements are expected to increase electricity access from 59.5 percent toward universal coverage, improve trade connectivity with Angola and Zambia, and lower logistics costs. The strategy also supports Namibia’s climate commitments and positions the country as a leader in green hydrogen.
“Recent U.S. tariff impositions and cuts in official development assistance have added pressures on Namibia’s economy,” Mupotola noted. “Our strategy strengthens resilience by diversifying export markets, enhancing regional integration, and building domestic productive capacities.”
The CSP builds on AfDB’s decade-long engagement in Namibia, which has included investments totaling $658.1 million in projects such as the expansion of Walvis Bay Port, railway upgrades, and the establishment of 27 educational institutions across all 14 regions. Aligning with Namibia’s Vision 2030, the Bank Group’s Four Cardinal Points, and Africa’s Agenda 2063, the strategy’s implementation begins immediately, with the first operations slated for early 2026.
