Germany extends Nam cooperation funding
By Hilary Mare
THE German Federal Government has committed to provide additional economic, social and ecological development support approximately N$2.5 billion, deepening development cooperation.
Since the independence of Namibia the Federal Republic of Germany has so far supported the economic, social and ecological development of the country with about 1.2 billion Euros (approximately N$19.2 billion).
The further commitment was made at the intergovernmental negotiations, which took place on 17 and 18 September 2019 in Berlin.
“This commitment also includes the assistance for drought relief and increasing climate resilience of 10 million Euros (approximately N$160 million), which was already announced by Federal Minister Müller during his visit to Namibia,” a statement released by the Germany Embassy late last week read.
At the meeting Germany promised Namibia further support for the planning, financing and monitoring of the implementation of the SDGs.
Within the negotiations both parties also agreed on the enhancement of the cooperation for a quality-driven transformation and expansion of the technical and vocational education (TVET) system. Special attention will be drawn to the training of trainers as well as the establishment of a TVET faculty at NUST.
Germany will also continue its support to the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. New integrated programs with a focus on the adaptation of the use of land and resources to climate change as well as the support of access to financing for small farmers shall support a sustainable and inclusive growth in rural areas.
Furthermore, the German Federal Government will increasingly support sustainable urban development.
To address the urgent need for action in the informal urban settlements, Germany and Namibia agreed on two new projects for sustainable and inclusive urban development as well as promotion of urban infrastructure. These projects are aimed at supporting the Namibian Government and selected communities to provide access to secure land titles and to noticeably improve the living conditions of low-income households.
Within financial cooperation both parties also agreed on the expansion of the existing credit line to the Development Bank of Namibia for climate relevant infrastructure, among others for projects in the energy, water and transport sector. Targeting the constraints for a reliable and climate-resilient water supply of the capital city, also immediate action to accelerate the cooperation for a secure water supply of Windhoek was agreed.
“The development cooperation will be complemented by an additional package of 10 million Euros (approximately 160 million N$) for drought relief, which was already announced by the Federal Minister Müller during his recent visit to Namibia. It especially aims to support the rural population, which is particularly affected by the current drought. The package includes immediate and medium-term adaptation measures to strengthen Namibian agriculture’s climate resilience. It aims at the reduction of over-exploitation of natural resources and of conflicts with wildlife as well as increasing resilience to the effects of climate change,” further read the statement.