The final push towards vision 2030 and inclusive prosperity

STAFF REPORTER
  • 16 Hours Ago
Head of research at Monasa Advisory and Associates (MAA), Mekondjo Erastus says Namibia has reached a defining moment in its long term development journey as it enters the final phase of Vision 2030. Since the adoption of the vision, the country has implemented a series of National Development Plans (NDPs), beginning with NDP1 in 1995/96. With the launch of the sixth and final plan, NDP6 (2025/26 to 2029/30), Namibia is preparing to align policies and actions for the last push towards inclusive prosperity.



While earlier plans set ambitious targets, Erastus notes that challenges in implementation limited progress. Namibia reduced poverty from 28.7 percent in 2009/10 to 18 percent in 2015/16 and achieved an average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6 percent during NDP4. Yet structural unemployment remains above 33 percent and economic diversification has been slow.



NDP6 introduces a new strategy built on four pillars. The first focuses on economic growth, transformation and resilience, targeting structural change through mineral beneficiation, green hydrogen development and an expansion of manufacturing, with the aim of raising manufacturing’s GDP share to 18 percent and ensuring that 60 percent of exports are manufactured goods. The second emphasizes human development and community resilience, strengthening technical and vocational education to meet the demands of emerging industries. The third promotes environmental sustainability by treating Namibia’s natural assets as economic drivers, while the fourth stresses good governance and effective public service delivery.



Erastus warns that financing NDP6 will require about N$505 billion which is roughly 2.5 times Namibia’s current GDP. This will demand private investment, international partnerships and strong Public Private Community Partnerships. He argues that stronger and consolidated legislation together with permanent technical advisory services are needed to empower communities, expand successful conservancy models and ensure true co ownership and benefit creation if Vision 2030 is to deliver inclusive prosperity.