The African Development Bank (AfDB) has invested about N$9 billion (US$600 million) in Namibia over the past five years, supporting projects across infrastructure, finance and public sector reform, according to figures released at the launch of the bank’s new Country Strategy Paper.
AfDB Country Manager for Namibia Moono Mupotola said the development finance institution’s portfolio reflects a combination of sovereign and private sector financing aimed at strengthening economic infrastructure and supporting policy reforms.
“Over the past five years, the African Development Bank’s engagement in Namibia has been both substantial and multifaceted,” Mupotola said.
She said the portfolio includes about N$5 billion (US$300 million) in sovereign and non-sovereign financing directed mainly at large infrastructure projects.
A further N$1 billion (US$80 million) has been provided through blended finance and risk-sharing facilities designed to mobilise private investment, while around N$1 billion (US$70 million) has been allocated in grants and technical assistance to support policy reforms and institutional capacity building.
The bank’s Country Economist for Namibia, Veripamue Kahimise, said AfDB’s current portfolio in the country consists of around 11 active operations comprising both loans and grants.
However, she noted that the overall disbursement rate stands at about 53%, which is below the bank’s preferred implementation level.
“Given Namibia’s development needs, implementation levels would ideally be closer to 90%,” Kahimise said.
She said sovereign projects involving the Namibian government account for the majority of operations, representing about 59% of the portfolio, while non-sovereign operations – largely focused on private sector initiatives – make up the remaining 41%.
The average project lifespan within the portfolio is about 4.1 years.
In terms of sectoral allocation, finance and governance projects represent the largest share of the AfDB portfolio in Namibia, accounting for approximately 41%.
Transport projects make up about 38% of investments, followed by water and sanitation at roughly 13%.
Multisector initiatives account for around 10%, while agriculture projects represent about 7% of the bank’s activities in the country.
Kahimise said the distribution reflects the bank’s focus on strengthening financial systems, improving infrastructure and supporting economic diversification in Namibia.
