USAID's Strategy in Namibia

Namibia has emerged as an African success story just 12 years into its independence from South Africa. It remains committed to a path of reconciliation, maintains an open-door policy for trade and investment, and nurtures a promising parliamentary democracy. It rates high on a number of international indices in terms of democratic freedom, economic competitiveness and governmental integrity. Namibia is blessed with extensive mineral and gemstone deposits, impressive port and highway infrastructure, and Africa's best telecommunications systems.

At the same time, Namibia faces extreme inequalities stemming from years of colonialism and apartheid. The wealthiest 1 percent of the population earns more than the poorest 50 percent. The high levels of unemployment and underemployment are symptoms of economic stagnation. Slow economic growth will continue until Namibia is able to fully shed the colonial economic model whereby resources are extracted and exported with little value added. Compounding these historical challenges is the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS.

The U.S. national interests in Namibia are based on the desire to maintain and deepen Namibia's status as an African success story and to enhance its ability to contribute to peace, security, and stability on the African continent. Namibia is also a strong partner with the U.S. in the war on terrorism.

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