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Performance and Efficiency of Public Sector in Independent Namibia

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  • Utpal Kumar De
  • Christopher P. P. Shafuda

Abstract

An analysis of the performance and efficiency of the Namibian government’s interventions after the end of the colonial era has been made in this study for the period 1990 to 2015. Using the Afonso et al. public sector performance (PSP) and public sector efficiency (PSE) method and the Stochastic frontier analysis (SFA), the findings reveal a sluggishly improving efficiency in the public sector in Namibia. However, some performance indicators showed significant improvement, while others did not record any substantial improvement. Progress is recorded in government efforts and programmes to reduce inequality and poverty, but the outputs moved at a plodding pace. Programmes and policies to reduce unemployment failed to produce the expected outcomes. Additionally, technical progress has been very slow since independence, as reflected by the technical efficiency parameter. The findings suggest a need to improve the public sector’s performance and efficiency to ensure stability and accelerate growth in the previously colonized economies with the same features as Namibia. JEL Classification: H00, H11, H89, L38

Suggested Citation

  • Utpal Kumar De & Christopher P. P. Shafuda, 2023. "Performance and Efficiency of Public Sector in Independent Namibia," South Asian Journal of Macroeconomics and Public Finance, , vol. 12(2), pages 160-185, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:smppub:v:12:y:2023:i:2:p:160-185
    DOI: 10.1177/22779787231204698
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public sector; efficiency; public performance; policy interventions; public policy; Namibia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H00 - Public Economics - - General - - - General
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H89 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Other
    • L38 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Public Policy

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