- Andreas Sheya
The Enhancing Participatory Democracy in Namibia (EPDN) Programme officially concluded on Thursday, 09 July 2026, with a closing ceremony held at the National Council in Windhoek, marking the successful completion of a six-year partnership between the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, the National Planning Commission (NPC), the European Union (EU), and civil society organisations. The project was implemented from August 2020 with financial support of EUR 6 million from the European Union, the programme strengthened collaboration between Parliament, Government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), contributing to improved parliamentary oversight, inclusive policymaking and greater citizen participation in democratic governance.Delivering the opening remarks, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, said the EPDN Programme was established to foster stronger collaboration and coordination between Government, Parliament and civil society, with the shared objective of enhancing the implementation and oversight of public policies. She underscored that democracy is strengthened when institutions work together and citizens are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in public affairs. The Speaker further noted that good governance is a prerequisite for delivering tangible socio-economic benefits to all Namibians.
Highlighting the importance of partnerships, Hon. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also reflected on the historic contribution of church-run institutions, which established schools and health facilities during the liberation struggle to serve vulnerable communities. She said this legacy continues today through the provision of essential services in partnership with the State. The Speaker also called on the private sector to strategically leverage the extensive grassroots networks and practical experience of civil society organisations, including the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, to accelerate the upliftment of vulnerable communities. She emphasized that such partnerships can improve access to quality housing, sustainable employment and viable market opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
Also addressing the ceremony, the Executive Director of the National Planning Commission, Mr. Ben Nashandi, urged Parliament and stakeholders to sustain and build upon the gains achieved under the programme. He highlighted initiatives such as the Online Bill Tracking System and continued institutional capacity development, noting that these achievements should continue strengthening participatory democracy and institutional effectiveness in Namibia. The Director of Development Partners Coordination Speaking of National Planning Commission, Mr. Ned Sibeya, said the programme had significantly improved institutional systems and visibility through support to the Civil Society Help Desk, strengthened stakeholder engagement, improved access to information and enhanced public awareness of the NPC’s role in working with civil society.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the European Union, H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins, Ambassador of the European Union to Namibia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting democratic governance and inclusive development in Namibia. She emphasized that democracy flourishes when citizens are actively involved in decisions affecting their lives and highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between Parliament, Government and civil society. Ambassador Martins outlined several key achievements of the programme, including strengthened parliamentary oversight, enhanced capacity for civil society organisations, support for the Government–Civil Society Partnership and Engagement Policy, the launch of Parliament’s Online Bill Tracker, and the establishment of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus which was established earlier this year. She emphasised that the Women’s Caucus, established through the programme’s dedicated support for women’s dialogue and with encouragement from the SADC Parliamentary Forum, now has its own constitution, executive committee and strategic plan to strengthen the participation and representation of women in Parliament.
Representatives from the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and the Radical Emancipation and Leadership Development Club (REAL DC) shared the civil society perspective, expressing appreciation for the training and institutional support provided through the programme. They noted that the initiative fostered stronger collaboration and a shared commitment among organisations advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. This presented stakeholders with rich insights on the success of the project through the voices of some of the beneficiaries. Members of Parliament also reflected on the support they gained from this project, specifically during their first year as members of the 8th Parliament through the manual which was compiled to equip them as they commence their roles as lawmakers.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Martins announced that Namibia has been shortlisted for the next phase of the Inter Pares – Parliaments in Partnership Programme, creating new opportunities for continued parliamentary cooperation and institutional strengthening. The Parliament of the Republic of Namibia expressed its appreciation to the European Union for its financial and technical support and thanked the National Planning Commission, implementing partners, civil society organisations and all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful implementation of the EPDN Programme. All stakeholders, Parliament, the National Planning Commission and the European Union reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing participatory democracy, accountable governance and inclusive development, building on the strong foundation established through the EPDN Programme for the benefit of all Namibians.
