Namibia and EU renew dialogue on trade, green industry and energy
Namibia has called on the European Union (EU) to deepen cooperation in trade, green industrialisation and the energy transition, as the two partners met for their first formal political dialogue in three years.
Speaking at the Namibia-EU Partnership Dialogue in Windhoek yesterday, Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi stated that the long-standing partnership had “stood the test of time” but required renewed focus to address current challenges. “Our dialogue today is so vital for Namibia and the EU to promote and deepen our partnership, enhance collaboration, build mutual trust, and reaffirm our shared commitment to common goals and interests.”
The minister described the EU as Namibia’s largest and most significant trading partner, with Europe buying Namibian fish, meat, table grapes, ores and precious stones, while exporting machinery, pharmaceuticals, mineral fuels, and vehicles to the country. “This dynamic relationship represents a win-win exchange and mutually beneficial trade partnership,” Ashipala-Musavyi stressed, adding that such ties required “regular review and adaptation to reflect current realities.”
Support
She highlighted EU-funded initiatives that support Namibia’s development priorities, including N$730 million for the Green Industrialisation Project, the Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition (TIDRET) project, the Etunda Feedlot, and humanitarian aid for drought relief.
“Support of this nature stands as a testament to the long-standing bonds of cooperation between the European Union and Namibia, and it is deeply appreciated. With the launch of NDP6, we call upon the European Union and all our regional and international partners to continue with us on this critical developmental journey,” Ashipala-Musavyi urged.
She also linked Namibia’s cooperation with the EU to wider African and global agendas, including the AU-EU partnership, Agenda 2063, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Discussions in Windhoek are expected to cover economic cooperation, green hydrogen, critical raw materials, climate change, multilateralism, and women, peace, and security. “I am confident that our engagement today will lead to positive outcomes and contribute to strengthening our partnership, delivering tangible results and lasting benefits for both Namibia and the European Union,” Ashipala-Musavyi concluded.
Speaking at the Namibia-EU Partnership Dialogue in Windhoek yesterday, Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi stated that the long-standing partnership had “stood the test of time” but required renewed focus to address current challenges. “Our dialogue today is so vital for Namibia and the EU to promote and deepen our partnership, enhance collaboration, build mutual trust, and reaffirm our shared commitment to common goals and interests.”
The minister described the EU as Namibia’s largest and most significant trading partner, with Europe buying Namibian fish, meat, table grapes, ores and precious stones, while exporting machinery, pharmaceuticals, mineral fuels, and vehicles to the country. “This dynamic relationship represents a win-win exchange and mutually beneficial trade partnership,” Ashipala-Musavyi stressed, adding that such ties required “regular review and adaptation to reflect current realities.”
Support
She highlighted EU-funded initiatives that support Namibia’s development priorities, including N$730 million for the Green Industrialisation Project, the Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition (TIDRET) project, the Etunda Feedlot, and humanitarian aid for drought relief.
“Support of this nature stands as a testament to the long-standing bonds of cooperation between the European Union and Namibia, and it is deeply appreciated. With the launch of NDP6, we call upon the European Union and all our regional and international partners to continue with us on this critical developmental journey,” Ashipala-Musavyi urged.
She also linked Namibia’s cooperation with the EU to wider African and global agendas, including the AU-EU partnership, Agenda 2063, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Discussions in Windhoek are expected to cover economic cooperation, green hydrogen, critical raw materials, climate change, multilateralism, and women, peace, and security. “I am confident that our engagement today will lead to positive outcomes and contribute to strengthening our partnership, delivering tangible results and lasting benefits for both Namibia and the European Union,” Ashipala-Musavyi concluded.
