Urbanisation-in-Namibia

Urbanisation in NamibiaThe urban population of SADC increased from 20.5 million in 1990 to 34 million in 2010 and isestimated to increase to 39 million in 2020 and further to 52 million in 2030 1 (Figure 1). Since2010, 59% of the SADC population live in urban areas a figure that is projected to reach over75% by mid-century.Figure 1: Urban Population 1950-2050According to the 1991 Namibia Population and Housing Census, the urban population ofNamibia stood at 28%. Subsequently, this population increased to 33% in 2001 and further to42% in 2011 (NSA, 2012). This trend is not unique to Namibia but it is also observed in mostsouthern African countries where levels of urbanisation are estimated to have reached over50% (i.e. 61% in Botswana, 62% South Africa). 2 In Namibia, urbanisation is spurred primarilyby rural- urban migration, although rural re-classification and growth of urban centres are alsocontributing factors (Pendleton et al. 2012). This increasing movement of people from rural tourban areas has ensured a rapid and unprecedented urbanisation in the country.At independence most of the urban population in Namibia was in the central and southernparts of the country, and the northern and north-eastern parts were predominantly rural. Thedevelopment of towns in Namibia stems from their pre-independence status, as service townsfor transportation of raw materials and farm products primarily to South Africa. Currently,through the Local Authority Act 23 of 1992 they are clearly distinguished as municipalities,towns and villages. Municipalities are the highest level of local authority; they are autonomousby law both financially and administratively. Towns are expected to grow into autonomousand proclaimed municipalities when economic conditions permit, that is to make themindependent financially and administratively.1UN-HABITAT, The State of African Cities 2010: Governance, Inequality and Land Markets. Nairobi (2010:207)2UN-HABITAT: State of African Cities 20103