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NAMIBIA
>> AFR Regional Overview >> Namibia Overview
Development Challenge Summary Tables
Program Summary
Previous Years' Activities
2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 199749
Introduction
Namibia, an arid and sparsely populated country, about twice the size of California, is located on Africa's South Atlantic coast. It has a population of approximately 1.8 million people and boasts a rich diversity of ethnic and cultural groups who speak 12 different languages. Namibia emerged from a legacy of nearly 100 years of both German colonial rule and administration under a minority-ruled South African government. Namibia gained its independence from South Africa in 1990. In many respects, Namibia is uniquely positioned in the region to serve both as an example of political stability and to play a vital role in the economic development of southern Africa. Namibia's political stability and continuity has helped maintain a highly favorable business climate, which includes incentives and strong protection for foreign investors.
The U.S. Government's national interest in Namibia is based principally on the United States' desire to support the consolidation of democracy, to promote economic sustainability, and to stem the devastating spread of HIV/AIDS. USAID focuses on supporting U.S. interests through five development initiatives: increasing private sector growth and greater employment opportunities; transforming Namibian education; increasing the benefits from better management of natural resources; improving the functioning and democratic accountability of parliament; and demonstrating viable approaches for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. USAID believes that through these initiatives, Namibia can serve as a model of successful U.S. development policies. Success in these areas will build support for the United States in Namibia and lead to further positive cooperative relationships.
The Development Challenge
Although Namibia's per capita income of approximately $1,400 is almost three times higher than other sub-Saharan African countries; the legacy of more than 40 years of apartheid policies has resulted in a highly unequal income distribution. About 60% of the majority black population live in communal lands in rural areas, surviving on annual incomes of $100 to $200, with limited access to social services.
Since independence the government has embarked on a major program of expanding education in order to widen access and correct the inequalities of the apartheid era. In addition, health expenditures have grown substantially as primary health care services were extended to all Namibians. At present, the greatest challenge for Namibia is from HIV/AIDs. Namibia is one of the five countries in the world most seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. AIDS is the leading cause of death in the country, claiming more lives annually than tuberculosis and malaria combined. Conservative estimates of the financial costs of the pandemic are staggering. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that real gross domestic product in 2010 will be 20% lower because of HIV/AIDS. Development achievements in a number of areas, where USAID support has been highly successful, including basic education and natural resource management could be severely compromised unless programs are targeted toward alleviating this situation.
Since independence, Namibia has faced a number of economic obstacles to maintaining a positive rate of growth and arriving at an equitable redistribution program that will neither hobble the economy nor deter possible foreign direct investment. The unemployment and underemployment rate is near 60%, and only one-fifth of the 20,000 annual graduates from Namibia's educational system can find jobs. The Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) is looking to create more employment opportunities and raise incomes for the average Namibian. USAID is a lead partner in these efforts focusing on small business and rural communities to increase not only the number of jobs but also incomes.
Other Donors
USAID remains the second largest bilateral donor in Namibia, after Germany. Despite its relatively modest size, USAID's program is visible, strategic, and results-oriented. USAID leads donor efforts in its areas of focus, specifically in basic education and natural resource management. USAID coordinates its programs closely with other donors through Namibian chaired steering committees. United Nations agencies have played an important role in catalyzing the response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
FY 2002 Program
USAID's program responds directly to Namibia's highest development priorities, and its effectiveness has been widely acknowledged by Namibian policymakers and leaders. Cooperation with the Namibian government in reforming basic education has not only contributed to the upgrading of teaching skills and improved curriculum design, but shows a positive impact on students in the first through fourth grade levels. Assistance to the Parliament through legislative advocacy to encourage Parliamentarians to be responsive to constituents has resulted in a greater public debate and a higher level of citizen input on pending legislation. Presently, Parliament's committees, as a matter of course, hold public hearings and solicit public response to the major issues and legislation affecting the country. USAID's leadership in promoting income-generating activities in Namibia's fragile, drought-prone environment has won praise as a model for development success. The initial legal and policy framework for rural communities to better manage their natural resources is in place with 14 nature conservancies formally established and over $500,000 of income generated for Namibia's communal ethnic groups in those areas. Over 50,000 community members will benefit from this support over the next few years.
The FY 2002 program continues to support USAID's goal of strengthening Namibia through the economic, social, and political empowerment of its black and mixed race population. Program funds will assist Namibia's indigenous population in the small and medium enterprise sector in order to create more jobs and meaningful employment. USAID is providing direct assistance to firms, entrepreneurs, and business service organizations and is working with the GRN and the private sector to improve the country's competitive advantage in the region and internationally.
USAID will continue the implementation of its HIV/AIDS prevention and care program to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Namibia. In view of the current situation in Namibia, this activity is crucial to ensuring the success of USAID's other development interventions.
USAID's continuing support for Namibia's education program will build upon the solid infrastructure established through the first phase of the program in which teachers were trained, and curriculum was developed and adopted. The final phase of the program is focused on improving the quality of education at the primary level, improved budgeting and resource allocation methods, and facilitating stronger community and parental involvement.
FY 2002 funds for the environment will allow for the establishment of additional conservancies and generate benefits for Namibians through sustainable management of local natural resources. The requested funding will also permit continued capacity building of the GRN and Namibian conservation non-governmental organizations to sustain the program after USAID's assistance has ended.
USAID will continue its work with the parliament until 2003. The USAID program will ensure the continued development of the legislature, its members and staff, and USAID will support the work of Namibian civil society to effectively promote the needs and priorities of Namibian citizenry.
Activity Data Sheets
- 673-001, Economic Empowerment of Historically Disadvantaged Namibians Through Accelerated Private Sector Growth
- 673-002, Improved Delivery of Quality Primary Education to Namibian Learners in Grades 1-4 in the Most Disadvantaged Schools
- 673-003, Increased Benefits Received by Historically Disadvantaged Namibians from Sustainable Local Management of Natural Resources
- 673-004, Increased Accountability of Parliament to All Namibian Citizens
- 673-005, Risk of HIV/AIDS Transmission Reduced through a Model Prevention Program in a Key Region
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Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
