EU joins Namibia’s corruption fight
Project represents a historic milestone, ACC says
The EU has allocated 1 million euros – approximately N$19 million – to the Good Governance programme, which is aimed at reducing corruption and bribery by promoting effective governance practices.
The European Union (EU) delegation to Namibia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Namibian government, this week launched the Good Governance programme, aimed at combatting corruption.
The 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 Namibia and the EU.
The programme, co-designed with the Namibian government and key stakeholders, focuses on reducing corruption and bribery by promoting effective governance practices. The EU has allocated 1 million euros – approximately N$19 million – to the UNDP-led effort, which prioritises 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, United Nations Development Programme country representative Alka Bhatia spoke on the importance of fighting corruption.
“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,” Bhatia said.
Profound consequences
Ana Beatriz Martins, the European Union’s 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,” Martins warned.
“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,” she added.
Erna Van Der Merwe, the deputy director-general of Namibia's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said the programme would boost Namibia’s resolve to fight corruption.
"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,” Van Der Merwe said.
Aligned
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 ACC as the secretariat of the NACSAP, facilitating greater oversight and coordination.
Other critical actions include providing grants to civil society organisations 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.
The 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 Namibia and the EU.
The programme, co-designed with the Namibian government and key stakeholders, focuses on reducing corruption and bribery by promoting effective governance practices. The EU has allocated 1 million euros – approximately N$19 million – to the UNDP-led effort, which prioritises 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, United Nations Development Programme country representative Alka Bhatia spoke on the importance of fighting corruption.
“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,” Bhatia said.
Profound consequences
Ana Beatriz Martins, the European Union’s 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,” Martins warned.
“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,” she added.
Erna Van Der Merwe, the deputy director-general of Namibia's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said the programme would boost Namibia’s resolve to fight corruption.
"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,” Van Der Merwe said.
Aligned
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 ACC as the secretariat of the NACSAP, facilitating greater oversight and coordination.
Other critical actions include providing grants to civil society organisations 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.
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