Member's Documents
Namibia: Evaluation of the Country Strategy and Program (2014-2023)
Published by: Independent Development Evaluation, African Development Bank
The evaluation covered two Country Strategy Paper cycles (2014-2018 and 2020-2024), whose focus was on infrastructure development for sustainable economic growth; and economic governance for an improved business-enabling environment. The interventions comprised 10 sovereign loans, nine grants, and one non-sovereign operation spread across six sectors.
The evaluation concluded that the Bank’s support to Namibia aligned with national policies and strategies; however, several objectives of the Country Strategy Papers, such as youth unemployment, small and medium enterprise development (SME), and value addition were either tackled weakly or failed to materialize. The evaluation noted weak cross-sector collaboration and limited coherence with other development partners, as well as minimal contributions toward private sector and SME development and job creation. Additionally, there were concerns regarding project delays and the future financial sustainability and maintenance of infrastructure projects.
Some of the highlighted lessons include aligning skills development to job market needs, enhancing knowledge management and institutional capacity-building, improving project preparation, and fostering cross-sector synergies. Among others, the evaluation recommended enhancing the design of the Bank’s program; strengthening external coherence and regional integration; and focusing on inclusiveness and gender inequality.
