The German Embassy in Namibia has revealed that Germany has provided more than N$32 billion (€1.6 billion) in developmental aid to the country through its implementing agencies KfW, GIZ, and BGR.
German Ambassador Thorsten Hursster said Germany is currently funding 60 active projects aimed at supporting Namibia’s economic and social development.
“Overall, the total financial and technical support extended by Germany since 1990 exceeds €1.6 billion (approximately N$32 billion). The current portfolio comprises approximately 60 projects distributed amongst the implementation organisations KfW (25), GIZ (32), and BGR (3). The funds are a mix of grants and preferential loans,” Hursster said on Wednesday.
He explained that KfW oversees 25 projects, primarily focused on infrastructure development, financial sector growth, and environmental conservation.
GIZ is responsible for 32 projects, providing technical expertise in vocational training, renewable energy, governance, and sustainable urban development.
BGR he noted, manages three projects, specializing in natural resource management and geological research to ensure the sustainable utilization of Namibia’s mineral wealth.
He explained that Germany’s development cooperation with Namibia is centered on three key areas, addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges. One of the primary focus areas is conserving nature and natural resources, which includes biodiversity protection through conservation initiatives in national parks and community conservancies.
Additionally, efforts are being made to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, ensuring access to clean drinking water and effective wastewater management in both rural and urban areas.
The second major focus area is climate and energy, with Germany supporting Namibia’s transition towards renewable energy and energy efficiency. This includes investments in solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects to enhance the country’s energy security.
Sustainable urban development is also a priority, with efforts geared toward affordable housing and climate-friendly city planning.
The third key focus area is sustainable economic development, training, and employment. German cooperation has been instrumental in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), particularly in fields such as engineering, agriculture, and ICT, to boost employment opportunities for Namibians.
Additionally, Germany supports financial and private sector development, including initiatives that promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship to stimulate economic growth.
He said Germany remains committed to poverty reduction, job creation, and economic growth in Namibia, with ongoing initiatives in climate change adaptation, water scarcity solutions, green hydrogen development, and critical raw materials exploration.
“Today, the cooperation between the Namibian and the German governments is oriented towards and aligned with the National Development Plan 5 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II. German-Namibian Development Cooperation today focuses on three main areas of intervention,” Hursster said.
