EU & Namibia deepen economic ties ahead of joint Business Forum

By: Hertha Ekandjo

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Namibia, with a strong focus on green industrialisation, value addition and investment, ahead of the upcoming Namibia–EU Business Forum scheduled for 12–13 May in Windhoek.

EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz-Martins, said the block’s ambition to become the first net-zero continent by 2050 aligns closely with Namibia’s development agenda, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable industrial growth.

Martins identified renewable hydrogen and sustainable raw materials as the cornerstone sectors of cooperation, describing Namibia as well-positioned to emerge as a global player in green hydrogen. She said the country has a unique opportunity to contribute to the decarbonisation of industries such as maritime shipping, while also advancing its ambitions to industrialise and add value to its natural resources.

In addition to these flagship sectors, the forum will also focus on agribusiness, the automotive industry, and the cultural and creative sectors as key drivers of diversification and job creation. Martins said agribusiness holds significant potential to expand Namibia’s export base through agro-processing, while the automotive sector could position the country as a manufacturing hub within emerging green value chains, including electric vehicles.

She further highlighted the growing recognition of Namibia’s cultural and creative industries, particularly in film and storytelling, as an important sector capable of contributing to economic growth and global visibility.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said the forum will build on the inaugural event held in Brussels in 2023, with a stronger emphasis on translating discussions into concrete investment outcomes.

The ministry’s acting executive director, Asser Nashikaku, said the forum will be held under the theme “Towards stronger, greener and more diversified economies: Catalysing business and trade opportunities between the EU and Namibia.” It is expected to attract around 400 participants, including government officials, investors, private sector leaders and development finance institutions.

Nashikaku said the platform will also serve to strengthen trade under the SADC–EU Economic Partnership Agreement and unlock new avenues for collaboration, particularly in developing regional and global value chains.

He added that strategic infrastructure such as the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz will play a critical role in positioning Namibia as a logistics and industrial hub for the region.

The forum will include masterclasses on trade regulations, skills development and investment opportunities under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. A key highlight will be the presentation of 30 bankable projects aimed at attracting investment and accelerating economic transformation.

Organisers say the event is designed to move beyond dialogue, focusing on building partnerships, unlocking financing and driving tangible outcomes that support Namibia’s transition towards a more diversified and sustainable economy.