The United States government, through the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance programme (ACOTA), delivered the first container of equipment destined for the Namibian Defence Force's peacekeeping training at a ceremony in Rundu recently.
The equipment, valued at nearly US$500,000, includes generators, computers, soldier gear, communications equipment, and other items to assist with peacekeeping training.

The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and the United States partnered under the ACOTA programme in September 2006 to develop and enhance peacekeeping training for the army.
The first round of field training took place in Rundu during June and July. American trainers taught a course to the 261 Battalion staff officers between 11 and 6 July. The US trainers continued the ACOTA training with the 261 Battalion soldiers, from 9 to 27 July.
ACOTA is a partnership between the United States government and African military forces that enhances the latter's ability to conduct support operations during peace. The ACOTA programme involves a train-the-trainer concept that typically includes two years of training and equipping of individual peacekeepers, squads, platoons, companies and battalions in the field.
Once trained, such troops may then be quickly and easily mobilised, transported, based and logistically supported at minimal additional cost.
Namibia is one of the newest ACOTA partners, joining Benin, Botswana, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia.