Germany’s commitment to Namibia as a key partner in development cooperation was reaffirmed during a recent media engagement in Windhoek, where Thorsten Hutter, Germany’s ambassador to Namibia, highlighted the historical ties that shape this relationship.
“Because of our past, Namibia is one of the development partners in terms of per capita funding. Despite Namibia being classified as an upper-middle-income country, it remains a priority for German development aid due to its unique historical context and the significant impact of their cooperation efforts,” said Hutter.
The ambassador noted that Germany allocates substantial resources to various interventions in Namibia, including drought relief and language training programmes, among others. He expressed a desire to enhance opportunities for young Namibians to receive training as apprentices in Germany, with the aim of either returning to contribute to their home country, or continuing their careers in Germany.
“This issue is important, and Namibia is a preferred partner because of the past; we would like these programmes to be intense,” he added.
Hutter also emphasised the strong collaborative efforts between Germany and Namibia to finalise the joint declaration addressing the historical injustices of genocide. Speaking on the matter, he stated, “We are working well together to finalise the genocide joint declaration,” highlighting the importance of this initiative for both nations.
The joint declaration aims to promote reconciliation between Namibia and Germany, acknowledging the atrocities committed during Germany’s colonial rule in Namibia from 1884 to 1915. Hutter noted that Germany is already actively supporting various projects as part of its commitment to this reconciliation process.
“Our government is doing a lot by supporting projects as a means to promote reconciliation,” he added.
At the same event, Ana Beatriz Martins, the European Union ambassador to Namibia, praised the robust trade relations between the EU and Namibia.
“We are thrilled with trade relations and numbers,” she remarked, noting that the EU is Namibia’s largest and most diverse trading partner. Martins highlighted successful access by Namibian businesses to European markets, and mentioned ongoing initiatives in sectors like green hydrogen, where European companies are already generating results.
She earlier stated that the EU partnership will mobilise N$400 billion in private investments for Namibia’s green hydrogen strategy.
This is more than double Namibia’s gross domestic product (GDP), significantly advancing the nation’s aspirations for green industrialisation.
“A pipeline of seven to nine private investment projects, led primarily by European private companies with EU and member states’ public grants, is already underway,” Martins stated.
She noted that some of these projects are expected to reach final investment decisions as early as the end of 2025.
Rui Carmo, Portugal’s ambassador to Namibia, spoke on investment opportunities within the country. He acknowledged existing Portuguese companies operating in Namibia, but stressed the need for further agreements, such as those related to double taxation and investment protection, to attract more businesses.
“There is potential for growth and investment,” Carmo stated, indicating a positive outlook for future collaborations.
Germany’s dedication to supporting Namibia has been evident through its financial commitments. Since 1990, it has provided approximately €1.6 billion in development cooperation funding. This funding focuses on sustainable economic development, climate resilience and natural resources conservation. The recent commitment of €51.5 million for bilateral development cooperation underscores Germany’s ongoing support for Namibia’s development goals.