By: Business insider Africa

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $1.78 billion Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Namibia, outlining a development framework for 2025 to 2030. The strategy is designed to address critical economic challenges, including youth unemployment exceeding 40% and a decline in per capita income. Its core objectives are fostering economic transformation, creating jobs, and promoting inclusive growth.

The strategy is structured around two main priorities. The first focuses on upgrading the country's infrastructure in transport, energy, and water. This aims to reduce business costs, improve productivity, and position Namibia as a competitive regional logistics hub. Key projects will support trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, expand renewable energy capacity, and increase access to electricity and clean water.

The second priority centers on human capital development. It will fund market-relevant technical and vocational training, support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and launch initiatives to advance women's economic empowerment. This holistic approach seeks to build a skilled workforce and foster broader economic participation.

The CSP aligns with Namibia's climate and energy goals, including its ambition to become a green hydrogen leader. It also aims to bolster economic resilience by diversifying exports and enhancing regional integration, responding to external pressures such as recent U.S. tariff changes. This new strategy builds upon the AfDB's existing portfolio in Namibia, which includes significant past investments in port expansion, railway upgrades, and educational infrastructure.