Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has expressed strong appreciation for the European Union’s ongoing support of the country’s developmental efforts, highlighting key projects that strengthen the partnership between Namibia and the EU.
Speaking during the Namibia-EU Partnership Dialogue in Windhoek yesterday, Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted several major initiatives supported by the EU, including the financing of Namibia’s Green Industrialisation Project, valued at N$730 million.
This, she said, demonstrated the EU’s dedication to Namibia’s economic transformation and environmental sustainability.
She also pointed out the Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition (TIDRET) Project, the Etunda Feedlot Project, and EU-funded humanitarian aid to help lessen the effects of the ongoing drought. She stated that these initiatives demonstrate the EU’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s long-term goals of sustainable development, economic diversification and social resilience.
“The European Union has proven to be a true partner in Namibia’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth. These initiatives not only improve lives in the short term but also help lay the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient Namibian economy,” she said.
Green opportunities
Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted the significant opportunities in the green hydrogen sector for investment, skills growth, and value creation. She expressed confidence that both parties can leverage existing Memoranda of Understanding to achieve tangible outcomes.
“Green hydrogen is more than an energy source, it is a gateway to jobs, innovation, and regional competitiveness… With the EU’s partnership, Namibia can unlock its full potential in this emerging global market,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi emphasised the importance of international cooperation to address widespread geopolitical and developmental concerns.
She also highlighted key issues, including climate change, drought, energy insecurity, youth unemployment, and migration. She advocated for the development of stronger global partnerships based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and collaborative efforts.
“No country is too small to contribute to peace and sustainable development, and none is too powerful to act alone. Namibia is committed to advancing development through regional and international frameworks, including the EU-SADC partnership, the AU-EU dialogue, and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030,” she said.
Ana Beatriz Martins, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Namibia, stated that the European Union remains Namibia’s largest export market, its third-largest source of imports, and its most diversified trading partner.
“Our Economic Partnership Agreement offers duty and quota-free access to the EU market, which Namibia has been able to use to its advantage – maintaining a consistent positive trade balance,” said the minister.
She further stated that the EU has also been a strong supporter of regional and continental trade integration and has been supporting the AfCFTA since its inception.
“The Strategic Partnership on Green Hydrogen and Critical Raw Materials, launched in 2022, has placed our relationship on a new level. It also demonstrates what we can achieve together when we join forces. Projects like HyIron, supported under the Global Gateway Strategy, are not only pioneering a green industrialisation, but are also creating jobs for Namibians, advancing technology, and placing Namibia at the forefront of a sustainable global energy future,” she said.
The minister shared that cooperation between Namibia and the EU extends beyond energy.
“They are investing in early childhood education, vocational skills for youth, support to gender equality, and joint efforts to strengthen transparency and fight corruption and organised crime. These are building blocks for a resilient, inclusive economy,” she said.