Germany funds vital infrastructure in Etosha, Hardap and Bwabwata National Parks

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has officially inaugurated renovated and newly constructed infrastructure across the Etosha, Hardap and Bwabwata National Parks.

These facilities are designed to enhance park management, improve visitor experience, and strengthen wildlife protection efforts. This milestone reflects the successful collaboration between the Governments of Namibia and Germany, development partners, and local stakeholders. It aligns with national priorities to promote environmental sustainability, bolster economic resilience, develop tourism, protect wildlife, and empower local communities.

The infrastructure developments valued at NAD 166 million were co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via KfW Development Bank (KfW) and the Namibian government through the MEFT.

The inauguration ceremony, held on 28 March 2026 at Ombika within Etosha National Park, marked the handover of upgraded park entrance gates and comfort stops, alongside duty stations for the Wildlife Protection Services (WPS). Indileni N. Daniel, the minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Dr. Kaire Mbuende, Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC) and Dr. Thorsten Hutter, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Namibia, attended the ceremony.

Namibia National Parks Programme (NamParks) - As part of the Namibia National Parks Programme (NamParks), infrastructure investments funded under the COVID-19 Fund have played a critical role in safeguarding operations throughout Namibia’s state-protected areas. 

Initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund supported continued operations in the country’s vast network of state-protected areas and contributed to preserving Namibia’s rich natural heritage. With co-funding from the MEFT, KfW has supported infrastructure upgrades valued at approximately NAD 48 million. In Hardap National Park, the Main Gate and smaller entrance gates, such as Fish Route Gate and Game Park Gate, were renovated alongside new ablution facilities.

Key developments in Etosha National Park include the renovation of the Ombika, Namutoni, and King Nehale entrance gates; upgrades to ablution facilities with added picnic areas, information displays, viewing platforms, and parking; as well as the installation of large signage blocks with information plates. 

Integrated Wildlife Protection Management Project (IWPP) - Addressing a rise in poaching, the Ministerial Cabinet approved the establishment of the WPS in 2015. 

Operating under the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) within the MEFT, the WPS focuses on reducing wildlife crime and enhancing species protection. Supported by KfW and MEFT with investments of around NAD 118 million, new WPS infrastructure includes the Buffalo and Susuwe West Stations in Bwabwata National Park, the Leeudrink and Otjovasandu Stations in Etosha National Park, and the Sesfontein Station in the Kunene Region.

Infrastructure developments encompass the construction of new staff houses and offices as well as the renovation of existing houses and conversion of buildings into office spaces. Additional improvements include the building of service blocks, storerooms, and new administration buildings featuring operations rooms, as well as new carports. Upgrades to power and water supply systems, sewage infrastructure, fences, and kennels for the canine (K9) units were also undertaken.

Namibian German Development Cooperation - Overall, the total financial and technical support extended by Germany since 1990 exceeds EUR 1.6 billion (approximately NAD 32 billion). The KfW portfolio under current implementation comprises a total funding volume of approximately EUR 600 million (approximately NAD 12 billion), while future projects with a total funding volume of approximately EUR 32 million (approximately NAD 640 million) are under preparation.