Namibia considers joining global coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure

Namibia is among 20 African countries that recently expressed interest in joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – a global initiative aimed at strengthening infrastructure resilience against climate-induced disasters.This comes as the country continues to grapple with the damaging effects of extreme weather conditions, emphasising the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure solutions.In recent years, Namibia has faced challenges such as train derailments caused by excessive heat warping railway tracks and widespread flooding that has disrupted schools, businesses and residential areas. Instances of children in northern regions being taught under trees and tents during the rainy season, as well as the flooding of a shopping mall, have underscored the vulnerabilities in the existing infrastructure.Global collaboration for resilienceLaunched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, the CDRI currently includes 40 member countries and seven partner organisations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank. Its mandate focuses on providing technical assistance, training, and funding to enhance infrastructure resilience globally.Addressing a group of East and Southern African journalists during a familiarisation visit to India last week, Alpana Saha, the CDRI director of partnership and governance, said Namibia is among several African nations exploring membership."We have engaged with several African states, including Namibia. Earlier this year, in October, we visited the Office of the Prime Minister in Namibia to discuss the possibility of the nation forming part of the CDRI," the director revealed. "Ultimately, it is up to the interested country&#039;s government to endorse the charter and nominate a focal ministry or agency to engage with the coalition."Namibia’s potential inclusion in the CDRI could unlock opportunities for technical support and financial resources aimed at fortifying infrastructure against climate-related disruptions.While Namibia’s formal membership status remains under deliberation, participation in the coalition could play a pivotal role in addressing the country’s infrastructure vulnerabilities and advancing climate resilience strategies.Steep priceAfrica spends an estimated US$8.7 billion annually on infrastructure risk management, particularly in response to flooding. CDRI’s support programmes for the continent focus on technical assistance, grants for infrastructure strengthening and capacity building.To date, 148 officials from 29 African countries have received training under India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, focusing on areas such as power, transport, telecommunications and disaster risk financing. Current projects include urban flood management initiatives in Ghana and resilience planning for tourism infrastructure in Mauritius.

Namibia considers joining global coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-10

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Namibia considers joining global coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-10

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