The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) spent N$105 million (US$6.5 million) in Namibia during 2025 to advance the country’s transition towards a green economy, strengthen public governance and expand digital inclusion initiatives.
According to the organisation’s latest annual report, UNDP was allocated N$117 million (US$7.26 million) for its Namibia programme and mobilised an additional N$122.9 million (US$7.58 million) from development partners, including the Global Environment Facility, Germany and the United Kingdom.
The largest share of programme expenditure, amounting to N$81 million (US$5.04 million), was directed towards environmental projects.
UNDP Namibia Resident Representative Amanda Serumaga said implementation during the year was supported by strong partnerships and effective programme delivery.
“Delivery in 2025 was backed by strong implementation and sustained partnership. UNDP Namibia’s programme expenditure totalled US$6,496,399 against allocations of US$7,258,648 across the country programme portfolios: Environment (US$5,037,855), Governance (US$550,857), Inclusive Growth (US$191,660) and cross-cutting initiatives (US$716,027),” she said.
Among the key outcomes was the strengthening of human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures, which benefited 3,878 community members. Average response times to wildlife incidents were reduced to 24 hours across supported conservancies through investments in fencing, solar-powered boreholes and predator-proof kraals.
Anti-poaching efforts were also strengthened through specialised training and the provision of equipment, including the dehorning of 100 rhinos in Etosha National Park.
In support of climate action, UNDP mobilised N$20 million (US$1.23 million) to strengthen Namibia’s climate reporting systems and support the country’s transition towards independently producing Biennial Transparency Reports and National Communications required under the Paris Agreement.
“US$1.23 million mobilised in climate transparency resources through the CBT II-linked project, supporting the operationalisation of enhanced transparency framework-aligned national systems,” the report stated.
The organisation also channelled N$4.2 million (US$260,000) through its SDG Impact Investing initiative to support local enterprises and stimulate the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
At community level, investments in solar-powered storage facilities strengthened food value chains and expanded economic opportunities for women and young people.
Agricultural support programmes also recorded notable outcomes. Under the Small Stock Revolving Scheme, 440 goats were distributed to 40 beneficiaries, while herd growth resulted in 289 additional goats across project sites.
Meanwhile, cattle turnover reached N$82.7 million (US$5.1 million), with N$77.4 million (US$4.77 million) paid directly to farmers.
Green enterprise initiatives generated additional economic activity, with the Okongo Carpentry Centre earning N$1.65 million (US$101,600), while youth-led biomass projects produced 1,285 bags of charcoal.
Support for the Devil’s Claw value chain benefited more than 200 harvesters and generated over N$1.75 million (US$108,000) in income.
“Green enterprise outcomes included US$101,600 generated by the Okongo Carpentry Centre, US$5.1 million in cattle turnover returning US$4.77 million directly to farmers, and 1,285 bags of charcoal produced through youth-led biomass initiatives,” the report said.
In the digital transformation space, UNDP piloted solutions aimed at improving access to public services, including Mobile ID and voice-based registration systems developed in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
The report further noted that more than 3,700 participants received capacity-building support and knowledge-sharing opportunities across the organisation’s programmes during the year.
