EU and UNDP Launch “Good Governance Programme”

This morning (20 January 2025), the European Union (EU) Delegation to Namibia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Government of Namibia, held an official signing ceremony to inaugurate the "Good Governance" programme. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in Namibia. The programme will span 40 months, from 2025 to 2028, and is a vital component of the bilateral cooperation portfolio between the Republic of Namibia and the European Union.

The programme, co-designed with the Namibian Government, and key stakeholders focuses on reducing corruption and bribery by promoting effective governance practices. The European Union has allocated 1 million Euros, approximately 19,500,000 NAD to this UNDP-led effort, which prioritizes the implementation of Namibia's National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan (NACSAP). It also seeks to foster multi-stakeholder collaboration and advance significant reforms.

Speaking at the event, UNDP Country Representative Ms. Alka Bhatia emphasised that "Corruption erodes democracy, undermines human rights, and perpetuates inequality. This project is an opportunity for us to collectively explore and create lasting solutions for generations to come."

H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia, underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing corruption. "Corruption is not only a local or regional problem but an international concern with profound economic consequences. It fosters inequalities, especially in vulnerable regions where funds meant for healthcare, education, and infrastructure are misdirected or misappropriated," she stated. Ambassador Martins further emphasized, "The EU's commitment to this initiative aligns with Namibia's national development agenda. Our engagement here in Namibia, in collaboration with the UNDP and the government of Namibia, is grounded in a vision where anti-corruption, the rule of law, and justice, are interconnected and mutually reinforcing."

Mrs. Erna Van Der Merwe, Deputy Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission Namibia, stated, "It is indeed an honour and privilege to represent the ACC Director-General today at the official signing ceremony of the European Union Delegation and UNDP Namibia Good Governance Project. This project represents a historic milestone in our nation's ongoing efforts to combat corruption, with the noble objective of enhancing transparency and accountability in governance by 2028."

The "Good Governance" programme aligns with Namibia's Harambee Prosperity Plan II, the Sixth National Development Plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

The programme incorporates a series of strategic actions to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity across various sectors. Key output measures include enhancing public access to government information, strengthening financial management to safeguard public resources, and revising anti-corruption legislation to bolster Namibia's legal framework. Additionally, the initiative will empower the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as the secretariat of the NACSAP, facilitating greater oversight and coordination.

Other critical actions include providing grants to civil society organizations working in anti-corruption efforts, revising the mechanisms for allocating fishing quotas, and aligning Namibia's legislation with international standards in extractive industries to ensure ethical practices. The programme will also foster stakeholder dialogue, promote collective action, and invest in capacity-building initiatives to empower institutions and individuals.

By addressing pressing governance challenges and laying a robust foundation for the future, the "Good Governance" programme represents a significant milestone in Namibia's development journey. It stands as a testament to the collective commitment of the European Union, UNDP and the Government of Namibia to create a fair, just, and sustainable society for all.