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Parliament of Namibia and European Union Celebrate Six Years of Advancing Participatory Democracy

The Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the European Union (EU) have marked the successful conclusion of the Enhancing Participatory Democracy in Namibia (EPDN) Programme, celebrating six years of partnership to strengthen democratic governance, parliamentary oversight and citizen participation

Enhancing Participatory Democracy in Namibia
© Parliament of Namibia

Funded by the European Union with €6 million, the EPDN Programme was implemented from August 2020 and continued under Namibia's Eighth Parliament from March 2025. Over six years, the programme strengthened collaboration between Parliament, Government and civil society organisations (CSOs), contributing to more effective parliamentary oversight, inclusive policymaking and greater citizen participation in democratic processes.

Opening the event, Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stressed that democracy is strengthened when institutions work together and citizens have meaningful opportunities to participate in public affairs. She noted that good governance is a prerequisite for delivering tangible socio-economic benefits for all Namibians.

The Speaker further encouraged the corporate sector to strategically partner with civil society organisations, including the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, to accelerate development in vulnerable communities by expanding access to quality housing, sustainable livelihoods and market opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

Addressing the gathering, EU Ambassador H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to Namibia as a trusted partner in advancing democratic governance and inclusive development.

"Democracy flourishes when citizens are meaningfully engaged in decisions that affect their lives. Through this partnership, we have strengthened the links between Parliament, Government and civil society, helping to build more accountable, transparent and resilient democratic institutions for the benefit of all Namibians," Ambassador Martins said.

The Ambassador highlighted the programme's achievements, including support for the development of the Government–Civil Society Partnership and Engagement (CSPE) Policy through consultations with 64 civil society organisations across five regions. The programme also strengthened parliamentary oversight by delivering 22 capacity-building modules for Members of Parliament, Standing Committees and the Parliamentary Secretariat, while improving public access to the legislative process through the launch of Parliament's Online Bill Tracker.

In addition, the programme awarded five grants to civil society organisations and trained 17 certified trainers in policy engagement, evidence-based advocacy and participatory budgeting. It also supported the establishment of the Parliamentary Women's Caucus, now equipped with its own Constitution, Executive Committee and Strategic Plan, and created a 251-member WhatsApp network connecting Parliament, civil society and citizens, which now continues independently under NamNet and Civic+264 through a formal partnership with Parliament.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Martins announced that Namibia has been shortlisted for the next phase of the EU's Inter Pares – Parliaments in Partnership Programme, opening new opportunities for parliamentary cooperation, peer learning and institutional strengthening.

Representatives of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and the Radical Emancipation and Leadership Development Club (REAL DC) shared the civil society perspective, highlighting how the programme strengthened their advocacy skills, enhanced policy engagement and fostered stronger collaboration among organisations working to advance the rights of marginalised communities.

The Parliament of the Republic of Namibia expressed its appreciation to the European Union for its financial and technical support and thanked all implementing partners and stakeholders for their commitment throughout the implementation of the EPDN Programme.

As the programme concludes, the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, the National Planning Commission and the European Union reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening participatory democracy, accountable governance and inclusive development, building on six years of partnership to deliver lasting democratic reforms for Namibia.