The European Union (EU) has warned that corruption erodes the rule of law and undermines trust in democratic institutions.
EU ambassador to Namibia Ana-Beatriz Martins yesterday said this at the signing ceremony of a N$20-million grant to support Namibia’s fight against corruption.
The grant, managed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to strengthen the capacity of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC’s) and promote the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan.
Martins said the EU’s engagement in Namibia is grounded in the conviction that anti-corruption measures, justice and the rule of law are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
“Corruption, by its very nature, undermines the rule of law. When laws are circumvented, or justice is applied selectively, we risk losing the trust of ordinary citizens in the institutions and the democratic social order. Often it is the most marginalised members of society who suffer most,” she said.
Martins said the N$20-million contributions from the EU and UNDP will support Namibia in its continued efforts to achieve its national development goals in building a transparent and equitable society that is resilient to corruption and deeply rooted in the principles of rule of law.
“Strengthening anti-corruption initiatives is not simply a financial exercise; it is about human and civil rights. It is about creating an environment where every citizen is empowered and free to pursue opportunities and prosperity,” she said.

The UNDP project includes a provision to help set up the office of an independent information commissioner to implement the Access to Information Act.
The act, passed two years ago, is a commendable step by legislators to grant people the right to access information held by public and private entities.
“We are in talks with the Ministry of Justice on providing specialised technical assistance on Namibia’s whistleblower and witness protection mechanisms,” Martins said.
ACC deputy director general Erna van der Merwe calls the funding a historic milestone, saying it has the potential to transform governance in Namibia.
“This project will enable the ACC to improve its management capacity, foster institutional cooperation and develop a new anti-corruption strategy for the next five years,” she says.
Van der Merwe says the ACC has made significant progress in raising awareness and providing ethics and integrity training across the country.
“The EU’s support will help implement robust governance structures and foster accountability mechanisms. This collaboration is vital to reducing corruption and illicit financial flows, ensuring sustainable development across economic, social and environmental sectors,” Van der Merwe says.
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