Namibia and EU Aim for N$390 Billion Investment at Upcoming Business Forum
Windhoek, Namibia – Namibia and the European Union (EU) are set to strengthen their economic ties with an ambitious goal of securing N$390 billion in investments at the Namibia-EU Business Forum, scheduled for May 12–13 in Windhoek. The event, a key initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway program, will focus on green energy, logistics hubs, and sustainable economic diversification.
EU Ambassador Ana-Beatriz Martins announced the forum during a press conference in Windhoek on Tuesday, highlighting the potential for private investment through loans and grants. She emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s economic growth, inclusiveness, and resilience in line with the country’s sixth National Development Plan.
“The EU is confident that our bilateral partnership, combined with targeted European investments, will drive Namibia’s economic diversification, natural resource beneficiation, and youth empowerment,” Martins said. She also underscored the importance of transforming Namibia’s ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz into key logistics hubs, which are expected to play a pivotal role in regional and global trade.
Focus on Green Energy and Economic Transformation
Under the theme “Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies,” the forum will spotlight sectors critical to Namibia’s sustainable development. These include green hydrogen and renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, cultural and creative industries, and the automotive sector.
Acting Chief Executive Director of International Relations and Trade Asser Nashikaku highlighted the transformative potential of these sectors. “Namibia’s partnership with the EU in green hydrogen is particularly significant,” he said. “It positions Namibia as a future hub for clean energy and underscores the strategic importance of our ports in driving regional trade.”
Nashikaku added that Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are poised to become industrial and logistics hubs, enhancing trade facilitation and positioning Namibia as a gateway for investment into southern Africa.
A Platform for Collaboration
The event, which builds on the success of its inaugural edition in Brussels last year, is expected to attract around 400 high-level participants. These include government officials, private sector leaders, investors, development finance institutions, and policymakers from Namibia and the EU.
Participants will benefit from masterclasses, high-level plenaries, thematic discussions, and presentations on investment opportunities. Martins urged private companies and financial institutions to actively engage, emphasizing the forum’s potential to elevate the Namibia-EU partnership to new heights.
Namibia’s Path to Sustainable Development
The forum comes at a critical time for Namibia as it seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on natural resources. By leveraging EU expertise and funding, Namibia aims to position itself as a leader in renewable energy and sustainable industrial development.
Ambassador Martins reiterated the EU’s dedication to fostering inclusive and resilient economic growth. “Our collaboration with Namibia is not just about investment,” she said. “It’s about creating lasting partnerships that benefit both regions and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.”
Looking Ahead
The Namibia-EU Business Forum promises to be a landmark event, catalysing significant investment and trade opportunities between the two regions. As preparations continue, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential to drive economic transformation and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.
— Reported by Nexio News
