The European Union has committed to channel more than N$627 million (37 million Euros) to address social issues such as education sector, water, sanitation and energy generation, as well as promoting good governance and gender equality in Namibia.
The funding is part of the EU’s Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) through a seven-year cooperation agreement.
The N$627 million, which is coming through the National Planning Commission, will fund projects stemming from 2021-2024.
Further funding for the remainder of the agreement will be allocated following a mid-term review to be held in 2025.
“Through this programme of cooperation, the EU and member states commit another seven years to further support Namibia in human development and education; giving children and youth a chance for a better future. The programme further supports good governance and strengthens inclusive green growth, which creates new opportunities to Namibian individuals and businesses,” said EU Ambassador Sinikka Antila, during an official handover held in the capital.
The funding is encored upon three pillars of foundational skills, which deals with support and improvement of early childhood development, with an aim to enhance equitable and inclusive access to quality Pre-Primary Education. This sector is allocated 13 million Euros, to be used in to construct, upgrade ECD centres and extend feeding programmes at ECD centres; and further provide training to educators.
Another focus is on inclusive Green Growth, which seeks to address renewable energy, water and sanitation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, including biodiversity conservation.
“We aim to implement this component in close collaboration with EU member states as a team European Initiative, as this will further support Namibia’s initiative towards Green Economy. Meanwhile, EU is also strengthening its partnership on critical raw materials and hydrogen,” she said.
The National Assembly, Anti-Corruption Commission, Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Welfare Poverty Eradication, are said to benefit from the third pillar funding of Good Governance and Gender Equality, as it seeks to see the effective and accelerated implementation of the E parliament strategy. National Anti-Corruption strategy and action plan including that of combating Gender-Based-Violence, are poised as priority support.
All these efforts are geared towards supporting and implementation of the fifth National Development Plan, The Harambee Prosperity Plan and Vision 2030, says the National Planning Commission Executive Director, Wilhencia Uiras, as she accepted the symbolic cheque. In addition, she said, what is left is for Namibia to implement and effect change to the neediest parts of society.
