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NamibiaVoluntary National Review (VNR)ReportonSDGsimplementation
Summary of Key Messages
Namibia, in steadfast adherence to its pledge towards realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has willingly assumed responsibility for conducting a third comprehensive national review of SDGs in the year 2024. This review will place emphasis on three pivotal dimensions of the SDGs framework: Economic, Social, and Environmental. These dimensions are intricately interwoven within the pillars of Namibia's fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), namely: Economic Progression, Social Transformation, Environmental Sustainability, and Good Governance.
Economic progression
Namibia has seen steady economic growth, rebounding from an 8% contraction in 2020 to 4.2% in 2023, albeit at a moderate pace. To tackle poverty and inequality, the country has focused on diverse energy investments, including green hydrogen, oil, and gas, attracting around N$33.4 billion in investments between 2021 and 2023. Despite unemployment standing at 34%, initiatives like the US$10 billion Green Hydrogen project aim to create up to 15,000 jobs. Namibia continuous to top-ranking of road infrastructure in Africa for the past seven years, as per the assessment of the World Economic Forum.
Social transformation
Namibia has made significant strides in transforming its social environment by prioritizing investments in the social sector, aiming to enhance long-term economic productivity and uplift living standards. Notably, the country allocated 50.7% of its budget for the financial year 2024/2025 to the social sector, totaling N$44.3 billion, with increases in social safety nets such as old age and disability grants. Initiatives like the establishment of 28 food banks and a drought relief program have provided support to thousands of Namibians, while exceeding the HIV/AIDS 90/90/90 targets and implementing a Covid19 relief package demonstrate proactive measures to address challenges.
Environmental sustainability
Namibia has shown commendable dedication to environmental sustainability, driven by its low-carbon, green growth approach. Notably, it generated N$493.1 million from natural resources between 2017/18 and 2021/22, underscoring the economic value of conservation efforts. Conservation is a priority, with all 20 conservation areas effectively managed, veld fire and poaching rates reduced through enhanced patrols and law enforcement, and 34 waste disposal sites receiving Environmental Clearance certificates. Compliance with the Environmental Management Act reached an impressive 89%, exceeding the 80% target, with N$363 million raised from environmental levies during the same period.
Good governance
Namibia has made remarkable progress in bolstering its governance framework, evidenced by its 8 th rank on the 2022 Ibrahim Index Overall African Governance score and recognition among the top nine nations in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Key achievements include advancements in Safety and Security, Public Administration, Business Environment, Infrastructure, Education, and Social Protection. The World Economics governance index of April 5, 2024, reveals Namibia as the second best-governed country in Africa boasting a B grade and an index score of 69.1, through indicators such as corruption perception, rule of law, press freedom, and political rights. Namibia also reclaimed its leading position in press freedom in Africa according to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, underscoring its dedication to democratic values.
Lessons learned
Holistic Integration: One of the foremost lessons learned is the importance of holistic integration of the SDGs into national policies, plans, and strategies. Namibia believes that a siloed approach to development hindered progress, whereas mainstreaming the SDGs across sectors fostered synergies and maximized impact, in the spirit of Leaving No One Behind.
Data and Monitoring: Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are imperative for tracking progress and informing decision-making.
Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaboration, both domestically and internationally, proved indispensable in advancing the SDGs.
Resilience and Adaptation: Namibia recognized the importance of building resilience and adapting to dynamic challenges, including climate change, economic shocks, and pandemics.
Affirmation of Commitment
Namibia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to sustainable development through multifaceted initiatives, exemplified by the launch of the Development Finance Assessment (DFA) Report in 2021, a strategic endeavor which underscores Namibia's comprehensive approach to enhancing financing frameworks in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, Vision 2030, and the National Development Plans. As part of this ongoing commitment, Namibia is actively developing its 6th National Development Plan to further propel the agenda of sustainable development and advance the attainment of the SDGs.
