Since independence in 1990, Namibia has managed to distinguish itself as a country with
an enabling environment for development in general, and for knowledge-driven development
(KDD) in particular. Key enablers include: peace and political stability, good governance,
macroeconomic stability, established legal and financial institutions, fairly well developed
transport, developed information and communications technologies (ICTs) infrastructure, sound
economic policies, reasonable management of the economy, and a broad recognition of
knowledge as a key driver of economic growth and social development. Some of the social
indicators associated with development are among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. For
example, 82 percent of adults (15–49 years) are literate. Primary and secondary school net
enrollment ratios (NER) are 89.1 percent and 48.3 percent, respectively. The population growth
rate and the fertility rate are declining. Most communities have access to safe water, and to
primary health care facilities. Namibia also has good prospects for accelerating growth. Potential
growth areas include: mining, fisheries, animal farming, tourism, services (e.g., banking,
transport, and ICTs), manufacturing, and potentially oil and gas.