Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on all stakeholders to participate in the formulation and implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
NDP6 is the last development plan to be implemented before Vision 2030.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila made the call at the launch of the NDP6 formulation process in Windhoek.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila noted that the NDP6 is significant as it comes at a time when the world is experiencing unprecedented challenges.
"Since 2016, we have learned that the country has experienced a deterioration in the micro-economy, economic growth and investment struggles, rising public debts, unprecedented levels of inflation rates, and a fall in the purchasing power of household income, putting more pressure on already high unemployment levels. This has had negative impacts on poverty; the gains we almost made in poverty have almost been wiped out."
She says NDP6 should adopt innovative approaches to better Namibia and its people through effective coordination and cooperation among stakeholders.
"NDP6 should consolidate the new reality into tangible results in terms of sustainable development, national capacity development in the form of the acquisition of skills and knowledge, improved governance industries, and wealth creation. NDP6 will be the last towards 2030, and it will consolidate the foundation beyond 2030 towards the SADC and AU agendas of 2050 and 2063, respectively."
UN Resident Coordinator Hopolong Phororo noted that the plan is an indispensable tool that will facilitate the effective implementation of the SDGs.
"The current alignment with NDP5 has proven instrumental in addressing Namibia's development challenges and goals by harmonising our own programmes, initiatives, and support for economic and social transformation, environmental sustainability, and good governance with the national plans. We have also ensured integration in Namibia's development strategy."
The theme for NDP6 is "Fostering Recovery, Inclusiveness, and Resilience for Quality and Sustainable Development".