Japan contributes N$80 billion in development aid to Namibia over two decades

I-Ben Nashandi, executive director of the National Planning Commission, highlighted that this support has benefited infrastructure planning, agricultural productivity, and community empowerment. Approximately N$47 billion of this total was in grants and development assistance, nearly equivalent to one year of Namibia's national budget. Japanese ambassador to Namibia Shinichi Asazuma noted that the Japan International Cooperation Agency's core programs include technical assistance, feasibility studies, and master plans.

A significant contribution has been in logistics and transport, with Jica supporting the development of Namibia's logistics hub master plan for the port at Walvis Bay, implemented in 2016. This initiative aims to increase cargo throughput and is crucial for Namibia's emerging offshore oil and gas, critical minerals, and green hydrogen sectors. Additionally, the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program has sent 177 Japanese volunteers to Namibia since 2006, working in education, civil engineering, and local administration, with 11 volunteers currently active in the country.