Namibia's decentralisation efforts, adopted as a key pillar of democratic governance nearly three decades ago, have yet to become a reality. Despite the country's progress in creating regional councils and institutions, decision-making authority and resources remain heavily concentrated in Windhoek. The Third National Council and Regional Councils Consultative Conference in Otjiwarongo provided an opportunity to assess the current state of decentralisation. The conference highlighted that 42 functions from six ministries have been coordinated for decentralisation, but most have been delegated rather than devolved.
The distinction between delegation and devolution is crucial. Delegation allows regional councils to perform functions on behalf of central government, whereas devolution grants councils the authority to exercise functions independently. This nuance is essential in understanding why Namibia's decentralisation project has stalled. Regional councillors often rely on Windhoek for permission, funding, and direction, rendering them more as representatives of central government than empowered local leaders. This setup raises questions about the effectiveness of decentralisation without a corresponding transfer of power.
The concerns raised at the conference regarding inadequate funding, limited capacity, and poor coordination are central to the success or failure of decentralisation. The government allocated N$17.848 million for decentralisation activities during the 2025/26 financial year, including work related to transferring gazetted functions and assessing implementation. An inter-governmental fiscal transfer policy is also being developed. However, decentralisation without predictable financial resources risks becoming a symbolic exercise.
The Regional and Constituency Development Fund Bill, introduced in 2024, remains at the Second Reading stage in the National Assembly. The bill's progress is crucial in addressing the financial challenges faced by regional councils. After nearly three decades, Namibia should be able to clearly outline how regional institutions are expected to finance their responsibilities. The lack of clarity on funding and resource allocation undermines the effectiveness of decentralisation.
True decentralisation requires central government to surrender some control, which is a challenging prospect. Decentralisation necessitates political trust, with central government trusting regional institutions with greater authority and citizens having mechanisms to hold both levels of government accountable. Otjozondjupa Governor John Julius //Khamuseb emphasised the importance of measuring participation by its meaningful influence on decisions and development.
The ordinary citizen is not concerned with the technicalities of decentralisation but rather with the tangible benefits it brings. The unemployed young person seeks opportunities, the farmer wants productive infrastructure and access to markets, and the mother wants reliable basic services. The community wants roads, services, and economic opportunities. Namibia needs a more honest national conversation about decentralisation, treating it as a measurable governance programme rather than a permanent conference theme.
To move forward, the government should clearly identify which functions will be devolved, which will remain national responsibilities, and what resources will accompany each function. Regional councils must accept that greater authority means greater accountability. Citizens must be placed at the centre of the process, and decentralisation cannot become a mechanism for shifting responsibility without improving performance. Ultimately, Namibia's decentralisation efforts will succeed only if the country is genuinely prepared to give regional government the power and resources necessary to govern.
Key points
- Namibia's decentralisation efforts are hindered by a lack of clarity on funding and resource allocation.
- The distinction between delegation and devolution is crucial in understanding the challenges faced by Namibia's decentralisation project.
- True decentralisation requires central government to surrender some control and trust regional institutions with greater authority.
