Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari says President Nangolo Mbumba visit to Europe is expected to open up new opportunities for international cooperation, particularly in the fields of green energy, trade, and infrastructure development.

Hengari said this in statements that summarised President Mbumba’s achievements during the one-week visit to Europe issued yesterday. 

He said Mbumba’s recent trip to Germany and Spain was productive as it reinforced Namibia’s commitment to global partnerships and its leadership in sustainable development, particularly in the green hydrogen sector.

 The visit, which included high-level discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Spanish King Felipe VI, also highlighted the country’s commitment to fostering economic growth and addressing global challenges like climate change.

His engagements during the trip highlighted the strengthening of political ties between Namibia, Germany, and Spain, with a focus on cooperation in green industries, climate change, and international financial reforms.

According to Hengari, the visit kicked off with President Mbumba’s participation in the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) on 7 October 2024, where he was part of a high-level panel discussing shaping the international (financial) architecture that works for the people and the planet.

In his address, Mbumba emphasised the need to reform global financial systems to better meet the needs of developing countries, particularly those in the global south. 

He noted that platforms like the HSC are crucial for fostering dialogue among governments, academia, civil society, and business leaders to address pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and digital transformation.

“We need to renew the global financial architecture to ensure it supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the needs of developing countries,” Mbumba said during the conference. 

The President also highlighted Namibia’s leadership in green hydrogen production, inviting global partners, especially Germany, to invest in Namibia’s green hydrogen projects.

 “Namibia is ready to partner the world to become a global leader in green hydrogen production,” he added.

On 8 October 2024, Mbumba held bilateral talks with Chancellor Scholz in Berlin. The discussions focused on several critical issues, including the joint declaration on genocide, apology, and reparations, and Namibia’s ambition to develop green industries.

The President reiterated Namibia’s desire to address the painful historical legacy of the genocide, stating: “We share a painful past, but it is important to resolve this issue in the interest of the Herero and Nama communities and Namibians in general.

“Germany’s commitment to promoting sustainable development is crucial, and we are grateful for the shared vision to invest in Namibia’s green economy,” said Mbumba.

Later that day, he met German President Steinmeier, and the two leaders agreed to deepen their cooperation for the benefit of both countries. 

The meeting emphasised not only the importance of addressing the past but also strengthening ties in trade, investment, and development.

On 9 October, Mbumba addressed a gathering of business leaders at a high-level business breakfast hosted by the Namibian embassy and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in Berlin.

 During his speech, Mbumba encouraged German businesses to explore opportunities in Namibia’s key sectors, including mining, agriculture, fishing, and infrastructure.

 He also emphasised Namibia’s goal to become a logistics hub for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by investing in port, rail, and energy infrastructure.

 “Namibia is positioning itself as a gateway to the SADC region, and we invite German businesses to take part in this transformative journey,” he said.

The President’s visit to Spain concluded with a meeting on 10 October with King Felipe VI in Madrid. 

In their discussions, President Mbumba highlighted the need to expand economic cooperation between Namibia and Spain and also briefed the king on the current drought situation in Namibia, which has diverted financial resources towards immediate humanitarian needs.

 “The drought situation in Namibia has been challenging, and we are grateful for international support as we navigate these difficult times,”  Mbumba said.

The working visit to Germany and Spain reaffirms Namibia’s role as an important player in the global pursuit of sustainable development and green energy.