High-level EU delegation discussed EU-Namibia partnership with President Nandi-Ndaitwah

High-level EU delegation discussed EU-Namibia partnership with President Nandi-Ndaitwah

A high-level European Union (EU) delegation, led by the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, H.E. Jozef Síkela, and the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Development, Mr. Barry Andrews with eight senior Members of the Committee, concluded an official meeting with the President of Namibia. The exchanges focused on how the EU Global Gateway investments can turn Namibia into a global leader in sustainable energy and clean industrial transformation and support SMEs, training and job creation in Namibia, while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

The EU delegation was received by H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia and Hon. Natangwe Ithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, as well as other high-level government representatives. Commissioner Síkela commented:

"Namibia has a unique potential. Its natural conditions are ideal for producing renewable energy, and the wealth of Critical Raw Materials can make it a global leader in sustainable energy and green industrial transformation. The EU-Namibia cooperation under Global Gateway is about turning this potential into real opportunities: better education, quality public services, new jobs and boost for local businesses. Through our 360- degree approach, we are investing in projects that can ensure this. Our discussion with H.E. President Nandi-Ndaitwah focused on how to even better align these investments with our priorities and make sure we deliver for the people of both Namibia and Europe."

Mr Barry Andrews said for the European Parliament:

"As Chair of the European parliament's Development Committee, and lead MEP on this mission, it was an honour to meet President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and our counterparts at Namibia's national assembly. We discussed with them the impact of the EU's support to and investment in the country and how, as a partnership of equals, we are keen to ensure that EU-Namibia relations are founded on our shared values, and to make sure that our cooperation benefits everyone in society. That is why parliamentary dialogue in particular is so vital in supporting transparency, accountability, and sustainable, inclusive growth."

The European Commissioner for International Partnership and President of Namibia discussed a comprehensive package under the EU Global Gateway agenda, which has mobilised €1.3 billion (NAD 25 billion) in loans and grants, expected to leverage over € 20 billion (NAD 400 billion) in private investments. This package supports Namibia's ambitions to become a global leader in sustainable energy and green industrial transformation. It includes innovative projects such as HyIron and Cleanergy, alongside investments in transport networks, electricity grids, port infrastructure and vocational training. Discussions also focused on Critical Raw Materials (CRM). Commissioner Síkela emphasied the need to ensure that Europe and Namibia together invest in the creating of local value chains - processing of CRM, refining, which ensure that more of the value of the final product enriches the local society as well as new quality jobs in innovative sector. European approach at the same time focuses on high environmental and social standards like the €1.8 million support to cooperation between the Namibian Geological Survey and EU partners and expressed readiness to identify strategic projects and attract European investment.

The DEVE Committee Chair and senior members also paid a visit to the National Assembly of Namibia, meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Saara Amadhila, and the standing committees on Economy, Industry, Public Administration and Planning, and Gender Equality, Social Development and Family Affairs. Discussions focussed on anchoring the EUNamibia partnership in shared values and mutual commitment through parliamentary dialogue to foster transparency, accountability, and democratic values.

The joint delegation further met representatives from the private sector, UN, the diplomatic community, civil society and media touching on all areas of human development, including education, health and governance.

Background:

The EU and Namibia are committed partners, celebrating this year the 35th anniversary of bilateral relations. Team Europe is Namibia's biggest trade and development partner, with a positive trade surplus for Namibia supporting local and regional value chains.

Global Gateway is the EU's contribution of €300 billion to narrowing the global investment gap worldwide. It is in line with the EU commitment to launch a values-driven, high-standard and transparent infrastructure partnership to meet global infrastructure development needs. Global Gateway is also fully aligned with the UN's Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement.