Namibia and the European Union (EU) are set to engage in the inaugural EU-Namibia Business Forum, scheduled for October 24-25 in Brussels, Belgium. The forum is jointly organized by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the EU, with the key objective of supporting Namibia’s investment promotion efforts and fostering close cooperation between the two entities.
Gosia Lachut, Charge d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Namibia, made this announcement during a press conference held in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. She emphasized that the forum is not only timely but also builds upon the strategic partnership established in 2022 between Namibian President Hage Geingob and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This partnership focuses on the creation and strengthening of Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Critical Raw Materials Value Chains in Namibia.
Under the theme “Mobilizing quality investment and value addition for green growth in the EU-Namibia partnership,” the forum will particularly concentrate on green hydrogen and sustainable critical raw materials value chains. The event is expected to commence with an opening ceremony featuring Namibia’s President Hage Geingob, along with prominent figures from both the public and private sectors.
Nangula Uaandja, the CEO of the NIPDB, highlighted Namibia’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the EU in the areas of green hydrogen and critical raw materials. This collaborative effort aims to position Namibia at the forefront of the green transition, allowing the country to leverage its resources effectively and contribute to global decarbonization efforts as an equal participant.
Notably, Namibia maintains a consistently positive trade balance with the EU, which stands as a vital trading partner, accounting for 21.6 percent of Namibia’s exports and 13.6 percent of its imports.
The EU-Namibia Business Forum promises to be a crucial platform for furthering sustainable investments and economic growth, with a focus on environmentally responsible industries, cementing Namibia’s role in the global transition towards a greener future.
