The EU Delegation to Namibia, in partnership with the National Planning Commission, announced the awarding of NAD 42 million to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the initiative “Towards Sustainable, Equitable, and Inclusive Green Growth in Namibia.” The announcement was made at a media event today attended H.E. Anna Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia, Dr. Michael Humavindu, Executive Director of the National Planning Commission, Heads of EU Member States alongside representatives of the awarded organisations and their partners.

The grants will fund three projects over 36 months, targeting enhanced CSO participation in sustainable natural resource management, equitable community benefits and transparent governance. These projects also focus on empowering youth, women and vulnerable groups in Namibia's extractive and energy sectors.

In her address, H.E. Anna Beatriz Martins highlighted: “By supporting CSOs and promoting democratic participation in the green energy transition, mining and extractives sectors, these projects will contribute to the goals of our strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains and renewable hydrogen.” She equally emphasize that “just as we are committed to green growth, we are equally committed to good governance principles that uphold the rights and welfare of Namibian citizens. Growth that lacks transparency and accountability is unsustainable, and it is ultimately the people of Namibia who must benefit from these economic transformations. We are therefore united with you in the conviction that economic progress must come hand in hand with respect for human rights, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of all citizens.”

Dr Michael Humavindu, Executive Director of the National Planning Commission was full of praise and said the following: “This event arises out of the much lauded and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between Namibia and the European Union.  Our bilateral relationship is long-standing but also cemented in various facets as witness in key interventions in sectors such as agriculture, green and renewable energy as well as the reason we are here today-governance and capacity building.”

The three grant projects that were awarded by the EU are the following:

• Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) and Namibia Development Trust (NDT),             Project title: Building Stronger Natural Resource-Based CSOs to Improve Community Rights and Benefits
• Deutsche Welle (DW), Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR), Namibia Media Trust (NMT) and Legal Assistance Center (LAC):  Eco Dialogue Collective: Empowering Media and Civil Society for a Transparent Green Future
• Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF): Eco Dialogue Collective: Empowering Media and Civil Society for a Transparent Green Future

The CSO Representatives thanked the EU for its support: Ronny Dempers (IRDNC/NDT) said: “Empowered CSOs drive evidence-based advocacy, ensuring communities benefit from their natural resources.” Representing NNF, Priscilla Mundilo remarked: “Inclusive green growth demands collective action to involve communities in decision-making processes.” While Peter Deselaers Representating the consortium made up of DW Akademie, IPPR, NMT and LAC concluded by saying: “Reliable information is crucial for accountability and inclusive participation in Namibia’s green transformation.”

These projects underscore the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, inclusive growth, and robust partnerships between civil society, government and international stakeholders.