Windhoek: The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) National Governing Council on Wednesday engaged stakeholders in the Kunene Region to validate the progress report on the implementation of the National Programme of Action arising from the Country Review Report. Speaking at the engagement in Opuwo, APRM National Governing Council vice chairperson Dr. Rosetta Nawases emphasized the significance of this consultation as a milestone in assessing progress since the Country Review Report was launched in 2024.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Dr. Nawases stated, "Our gathering here today represents a milestone in Namibia's journey under the African Peer Review Mechanism." She clarified that the APRM process aims to promote accountability and African-led solutions rather than to criticize countries. Nawases highlighted that the completion of a Country Review Report is only the beginning of the APRM process, and Namibia's National Programme of Action was developed through a participatory process that included government institutions, civil society, and stakeholders.

Nawases emphasized that implementing the programme is not solely the responsibility of the APRM National Secretariat but requires the involvement of government institutions, local authorities, civil society, and the private sector. She noted the importance of regional participation, stating that community and local authority experiences must be part of the assessment. The inputs from the engagement will be consolidated into the progress report, which is expected to be submitted to the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government in January 2027.

Presenting an overview of the Country Review Report, APRM National Governing Council member Esau Kaakunga explained that Namibia was assessed in four thematic areas: democracy and political governance, economic governance and management, corporate governance, and socio-economic development. APRM National Secretariat member Salomo Hei highlighted ongoing challenges in the Kunene Region, including poverty, youth unemployment, water scarcity, poor education outcomes, and limited health services. Hei emphasized the need for coordinated interventions to address these socio-economic and governance challenges.

Hei also pointed out issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited economic diversification, low incomes, and weak civil registration systems. He recommended stronger collaboration between the Office of the Governor, regional council, local authorities, and other stakeholders to improve service delivery and accelerate development programmes.