The legal framework
Article 129 of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia establishes
the National Planning Commission (NPC) in the Office of the President,
charged with the responsibility for the planning of national priorities
and directing the course of national development. Provision is also
made in the same Article of the enactment of legislation to regulate
membership, powers and functions of the National Planning Commission.
While the Secretariat of the National Planning Commission was
established soon after independence, the Act of Parliament creating
the Commission itself came in place in September 1994.
Members of the Commission
The Commission consists of:
the Director-General, who shall be the chairperson of the Commission;
the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry;
the Minister of Finance;
the Minister of Trade and Industry
the Minister of Works and Transport;
the Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development; and
eight persons appointed by the President after consultation
with the Director- General of the National Planning Commission,
from amongst persons with knowledge and experience of developmental
nature in economic, social, ecological or other related fields
Mission of the National Planning Commission
To identify and plan priorities and direction of National Development
as per Articles 129, 98 and 95 of the Constitution and the National
Planning Commission Act, 1994 (Act 15 of 1994).
The undertaking, designing, implementation and monitoring of
development plans, projects and programmes in conformity with
national development goals and objectives with a view to ensure
sustainable economic growth, equity, social harmony and balanced
development.
Functions of the National Planning Commission
Orientation, design and surveillance of economic and social plans
and policies in accordance with national objectives and priorities.
Macroeconomic policy analysis, national and sectoral development
planning and employment strategies, budgeting and project analysis.
Regional economic development planning, design and coordination.
Organisation and execution of economic and social studies and research.
Collection and organisation of statistics and other data required
for planning and related areas.
Management and coordination of international aid resources,
including non-governmental activities.
Establishment and operation of strategic information systems and
services in the fields of planning and statistics.
Establishment and operation of registry documentation and library
services in the fields of socio-economic planning, statistics and
other relevant fields.
Design and participation in staff development and training
programmes in the fields of planning and statistics.
Designing and participation in institution building and capacity
strengthening activities.