News Update 5

In the biggest step yet toward realisation of Open Africa’s vision for Africa a country has become the first to adopt the route model as official policy for implementation in rural areas. The country is Namibia, where there are already four routes in our network. Whether we play a role in this depends on a tender process, which is fair enough, but meanwhile we are delighted that this Millennium Challenge Corporation backed initiative in favour of what we about is going to happen.

It is fitting that Namibia should be first in this, especially considering the following:

• It was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution;
• In existence for over 20 years, Namibia’s Community Based Natural Resources Management Programme (CBNRM) is a successful multi-faceted approach to conservation and rural development;
• This conservancy movement covers 16,8% of the country’s land area, engaging more than 230 000 community members;
• There are 60 gazetted communal conservancies that between them operate 29 joint venture lodges and campsites in collaboration with host communities;
• Namibia is the only country in Africa with an expanding population of free roaming lions;
• It is the only country in the world with 100% of its coastline under some form of protected status;
• Namibia has Africa’s largest population of Black Rhino;
• It also has the largest population of Cheetah in the world.

Namibia is arguably Africa’s most forward-looking country when it comes to the value of nature resources.

Posting this update was held back pending the outcome of the tender, in respect of which I am happy to report that Open Africa, together with Grant Thornton, our partner in this instance, was successful in its bid. This contract has huge potential for influencing other African countries to do the same, which is a goal we shall pursue with considerable zeal.

Without your support Open Africa could never gave gotten this far and we say a big thank you for that. This initiative stands on the shoulders of a great many people, all shareholders in much more meaningful a sense than just financially.