Windhoek:  Accountability and transparency are the two essential ingredients needed to strengthen the cooperation between the European Union and Namibia, Prof Peter Katjavivi, Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), said at a meeting held this week by the National Planning Commission and a EU delegation.

"Namibia needs and welcomes this assistance to help us achieve our objectives as expressed in our Vision 2030 and the 3rd National Development Plan (NDP3) and to be able to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The focal areas of our cooperation are well targeted and are high on our political and development agenda," Katjavivi said.

The National Planning Commission coordinates the economic and social development of Namibia and ensures that all development needs are adequately addressed, all available funding is disbursed in accordance with the relevant regulations and is utilised fully and efficiently, Katjavivi explained.  "Doing this enables us to achieve the goals that we, together with our partners, have set for ourselves. We are accountable to the Namibian people who benefit from the programmes financed with development assistance, as well as to the people whose taxes fund the support that is provided to us," he said.

The NPC and EU delegation held a retreat this week aimed at finding ways on how to implement the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme (CSP/NIP) for Namibia. The CSP/NIP was officially launched in April 2008 and provides the framework for assistance to the tune of N$10.5 billion for a period of five years - from 2008 to 2013.

Speaking at the retreat, Ambassador Pape said all funding under the 9th EDF has been exhausted and that great strides has been made in the preparation of programmes under the 10th EDF. Pape further said a mid-term review of the Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme under the 10th EDF between June and mid-October last year, showed that the EU's strategy remained highly relevant to Namibia's efforts to achieve the MDGs and to address key priorities as identified in the NDP3. There is, however, no room for complacency and challenges do persist, she said.

"In the end it is not only the government and even less the donors that can make development and transformation in Namibia happen. Important decisions are taken at regional and local levels and within communities. Consultation of all stakeholders will enhance social accountability and further empower people closer to the ground. The EU delegation stands ready to assist wherever we can in this process," Pape said.