Namibia was the only country whose classification moved downward this year, from the "upper-middle income" to the "lower-middle income" category.

The country's cry of many years has now been heard by the World Bank.

The upper middle-income classification caused Namibia to lose out on getting favourable terms on its development loans as well as hassle-free access to grants.

Namibia's former presidents, Founding President Sam Nujoma, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba and late President Hage Geingob, sounded this appeal at any available international platform, pleading for Namibia's reclassification.