The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Technical Support Mission on International Credit Ratings this week began its three-day mission to Namibia, from 27 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s capacity to engage effectively with international credit rating agencies. 

The mission commenced the high-level engagement with Amb Kaire Mbuende, Director-General of the National Planning Commission, and Amb Lineekela Mboti, Focal Point and Chief Executive Officer of the APRM. The initiative forms part of the broader African Union led initiative to support Member States in navigating the increasingly complex international credit rating landscape. 

Led by Misheck Mutize, the mission seeks to assess the challenges Namibia faces during the pre-rating preparatory phase, facilitate a structured national credit rating assessment process, support post-rating appeals where applicable, and strengthen the implementation of admissible recommendations. 

The intervention is designed to enhance institutional readiness and national capacity to strategically engage credit rating agencies, improve sovereign creditworthiness, and expand access to affordable and sustainable development finance. 

During the meeting with the Director-General, the APRM Lead Expert Researcher on International Credit Ratings, Mutize, also provided an update on the anticipated launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) in July 2026, a landmark continental initiative expected to contribute to reshaping Africa’s credit rating ecosystem by promoting fairer, context-sensitive, and development-oriented assessments of African economies. 

Namibia welcomed the mission, underscoring the strategic importance of both AfCRA and improved sovereign credit ratings in advancing Namibia’s national development priorities. The mission is set to continue consultations with key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Namibia, and the private sector. 

At the conclusion of the mission, a comprehensive report containing findings and action-oriented recommendations will be produced to guide Namibia’s future engagement with both international and continental credit rating agencies. 

This Mission reflects APRM’s growing, strengthened role in supporting African Member States in strengthening governance, improving economic credibility, and securing sustainable and inclusive financing opportunities. 

–newsroom@nepc.com.na