[{"bbox": [97, 178, 541, 206], "category": "Text", "text": "The main outcome expected from this Action is:"}, {"bbox": [135, 233, 1136, 368], "category": "List-item", "text": "* The efficient, effective and successful implementation of the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027, ongoing 11th EDF programmes and supporting initiatives of common interest between the EU and Namibia beyond proposed priority areas (i.e. Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and Namibia on a Partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains and renewable hydrogen amongst others) through the support provided via the Cooperation Facility"}, {"bbox": [97, 392, 1135, 470], "category": "Text", "text": "This action will include amongst others funding for technical assistance, institutional strengthening and capacity building measures, strategic communication, research, studies, policy analysis, conferences and other related activities."}, {"bbox": [85, 527, 325, 560], "category": "Section-header", "text": "# 2 RATIONALE"}, {"bbox": [85, 592, 236, 620], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.1 Context"}, {"bbox": [97, 639, 1136, 879], "category": "Text", "text": "Namibia has matured as a democracy since its independence in 1990 and has been enjoying stability and relative prosperity. It has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, deepening an economic recession ongoing since 2016. The economy is mainly based on the exploitation of its natural resources (diamond and uranium mining, tourism, fisheries and agriculture). Namibia has been in recession or only registered negligible economic growth since 2016, leading to a high and rising public debt (above 60% in 2021). The pandemic's disruption of the mining and tourism industry has sharply deteriorated Namibia's economic fundamentals (-8% GDP growth in 2020 and 1.4% estimated in 2021), affecting debt sustainability and leading it to request its first ever International Monetary Fund loan (Rapid Financing Instrument) of US$ 273 million. Moderate economic growth is projected for 2022, driven by the mining sector."}, {"bbox": [97, 889, 1136, 1157], "category": "Text", "text": "The European Union (EU) enjoys good political relations with Namibia. The EU is an important trade and investment partner, accounting for one fifth of total Namibian exports. The relations between EU and Namibia have strengthened (for example recent de-listing from NCTJ¹). Furthermore, the EU's Covid response (especially during 2021, when Namibia experienced its 3rd wave of coronavirus infections) was much appreciated by the Government. Namibia is a natural ally of the EU's Green Deal, paving the way for cooperation on climate change, raw materials value chains and their integration with the EU, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and water. The MIP priorities are well aligned with the political ambitions and needs. It is in the strategic interest of the EU to deepen the partnership with Namibia: to support its political stability, democratic, inclusive and sustainable development while encouraging economic diversification, investments, trade and business partnerships focusing on a green recovery from COVID-19."}, {"bbox": [97, 1168, 342, 1194], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### Rationale and Assessment"}, {"bbox": [97, 1207, 1136, 1367], "category": "Text", "text": "The MIP Namibia identifies three priority areas of intervention, all closely related to the National Development Plans 5 (NDP5), Harambee Prosperity Plan II and Vision 2030. “Game changers” such as investment in infrastructure (particularly water and energy), value addition in natural resources, social progression (access to quality education, combatting gender-based violence and violence against children) and effective governance (anti-corruption, accountability and transparency, participation and engagement) are identified as vitally important for any social and economic development of the country."}, {"bbox": [97, 1392, 1136, 1526], "category": "Text", "text": "The Namibia MIP priority areas are 1) **Foundational Skills/Education** 2) **Inclusive Green Growth** and 3) **Governance and Gender Equality** directly respond to the identified needs of the country and are in line with the EU's strategic interest in the country. The AAP 2022 actions will see a continuation of the EU's Education Sector support programme in the Foundational Skills sector to ensure a continuity of our efforts and investment. Supporting Good Governance and Gender Equality will be instrumental in strengthening the transparency,"}, {"bbox": [85, 1611, 379, 1637], "category": "Footnote", "text": "¹ Non-Compliant Tax Jurisdictions"}, {"bbox": [1038, 1636, 1144, 1661], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 4 of 17"}]