President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for renewed international collaboration to safeguard Namibia’s water resources.  She cautioned that climate change is intensifying the nation’s struggle with water scarcity.

Addressing a visiting delegation from the Global Water Partnership (GWP) led by executive secretary Alex Simalabwi at State House on Friday, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said water security must be treated as a national and global priority.

“Namibia remains one of the driest countries in the world, and climate change is worsening our situation. Water is not only a development concern – it is a matter of survival,” he added.

The President commended GWP for its long-standing support to Namibia and the broader Southern African region in promoting sustainable water management. 

She reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the partnership, emphasising that collective action and innovation are vital to achieving water security in the face of escalating climate pressures.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah was accompanied by Prime Minister Eliajah Ngurare, National Planning director Kaire Mbuende, agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani and senior government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Water and Marine Resources and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).

Simalabwi expressed GWP’s appreciation for Namibia’s leadership and readiness to collaborate on transformative water projects.

“As we flew into Windhoek, we could see the realities of climate change – drought-scorched land alongside areas recently affected by floods. Namibia’s challenges highlight the urgency for coordinated action,” he said.

He noted that GWP has launched a new global strategy focusing on mobilising investment in water and climate adaptation, which aligns closely with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and national development priorities.

GWP vice chairperson Nchebi Moripe described the engagement as timely, adding that Namibia’s example could inspire regional approaches to climate resilience.

The meeting concluded with both parties committing to strengthening cooperation in
water governance, infrastructure investment and capacity building.