The European Union (EU) in collaboration with the National Planning Commission, launched the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Namibia here Thursday, which outlines both parties’ partnership priorities for the period 2021 to 2027.
These priority areas are foundational skills, which include support to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme to improve the quality and accessibility of ECD, as well as equitable and inclusive access, and quality in ECD and pre-primary education.
Another priority area is inclusive green growth, which will concentrate on renewable energy, water and sanitation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. The EU is currently strengthening its partnership on critical raw materials and green hydrogen with Namibia in order to further support Namibia’s initiatives toward a green economy.
The third priority area is good governance and gender equality, which will provide institutional capacity building for improved governance performance, a better enabling environment for civil society, and improved service delivery.
EU Ambassador to Namibia Sinikka Antila at the launch said the EU will provide more than N.dollars 627 million (37 million Euro) in financial support for the outlined priorities during the programme’s inception period, which runs from 2021 to 2024.
She stated that the financial allocation for the period 2025-2027 will be announced following a mid-term review of the MIP’s implementation, which will include a dialogue with Namibian authorities and other stakeholders.
According to National Planning Commission Executive Director Wilhencia Uiras, the MIP is in line with Namibia’s fifth National Development Plan, the Harambee Prosperity Plan, and Vision 2030.
She expressed appreciation for the support, saying it will strengthen the collective and shared vision of an educated, capable and prosperous Namibian nation.
“The NPC and the EU are optimistic about the successful implementation of this extensive cooperation programme. Both parties will maintain their trade and investment efforts, which will be critical in stimulating economic growth and recovery,” she stated.
The MIP was developed in collaboration with the Namibian Government, civil society organisations, the private sector, EU Member States, and United Nations organisations.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
