The World Bank has launched a new country partnership framework (CPF) for Namibia, targeting economic growth promotion, job creation and access to quality public services from 2025 to 2029.

The CPF aligns with Namibia’s strategic vision development priorities as articulated in Vision 2030 and the Second Harambee Prosperity Plan for 2020 to 2025.

The five-year CPF is centered on two high-level, long-term outcomes: increased employment and improved access to quality public services, with digital transformation as a central theme.

The first outcome focuses on  renewable and green energy access; fostering an enabling environment for private sector-development; and strengthing macro-fiscal management.

The second high-level outcome prioritises efficiency in education and health services and improved housing and urban services.

Through the cross-cutting theme of digital technology integration, the CPF aims to drive economic growth by enhancing access and affordability of digital services, improving tax administration and strengthening service delivery.

These objectives build on previous lessons and engagement under the financial years from 2014 to 2020 country partnership strategy, recent advisory services and analytics work, and the systematic country diagnostic and country private sector diagnostic.

“The CPF represents a significant shift in the World Bank Group’s engagement in Namibia, which was limited to knowledge and technical cooperation under the previous strategy. “We are pleased to have responded to the country’s interest in borrowing through the first operation approved in May 2024, and will build on this in the next five years,” comments World Bank country director for Namibia Satu Kahkonen

“Through this CPF, we aim to enhance the quality of life and economic prospects of Namibia’s people by prioritising access to housing, health, education and renewable energy, among others.”

International Finance Corporation (IFC) regional director for Southern Africa Cláudia Conceição adds that harnessing the potential of Namibia's private sector is essential for driving inclusive economic growth.  

“Through this CPF, we are committed to supporting the country in creating a more conducive environment for private sector investments in sectors such as housing, digital, renewable energy and agribusiness.”

“By fostering private sector growth, Namibia can boost job creation, strengthen resilience to economic shocks, and reduce inequality,” said Conceição.

The CPF operationalises the ‘One World Bank Group’ approach through the Joint Country Representation model. The approach focuses on mobilising private capital using a comprehensive range of instruments from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the IFC, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

The joint country resident representative is a single point of contact for access to the full breadth of World Bank Group products and services. The role aims to enhance the institution’s ability to address global challenges, and drive development with speed, efficiency, and impact.

“Our focus is clear – we aim to support job creation and increase access to quality public services. By prioritising renewable energy and fostering a favourable environment for private sector development, we strive to help the country unlock its full potential and drive sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all Namibians.

“Having a presence on the ground will enable us to better support Namibia and help the country build a more resilient and inclusive economy, benefitting all its people,” says World Bank Group’s joint resident representative for Namibia Mariama Cire Sylla.

“Private capital will be instrumental as Namibia pursues its green growth strategy. The World Bank Group Guarantee Platform is working to deepen its engagement in the country, leveraging its existing support to private investors in the energy and tourism sectors, and exploring new opportunities in emerging technologies,” adds MIGA economics and sustainability director Sebnem Erol Madan.

The CPF reflects consultations with key stakeholders, including the government, private sector and development partners.