President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia is ready to attract strategic investments in energy and infrastructure.
She stated that job-creation is government’s top priority when she met with a high-level Norwegian energy business delegation last week Friday at State House in Windhoek.
The meeting, attended by representatives of the Norwegian-African Business Association (NABA) and several private sector energy companies, marked one of President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first engagements with foreign investors since assuming office.
Addressing the delegation, the President acknowledged the historical friendship between Namibia and Norway.
She welcomed the interest from Norwegian partners in supporting Namibia’s economic transformation.
“Namibia is ready for business. Our focus is on creating jobs and building a sustainable economy. We want to partner with both local and international investors to meet this objective. Peace and stability are in place. Now, we must act swiftly to address unemployment through smart and inclusive investment,” she said.
The President took a moment to thank the delegation for their condolences on the recent passing of Namibia’s Founding President, stating that his legacy of fostering international ties, including with Norway, would be nurtured under her leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the Norwegian delegation, a representative from NABA highlighted the shared values and parallel histories of Namibia and Norway in resource development.
He noted Norway’s own journey from being a developing economy to a global model for transparent and equitable oil and gas management.
“We did not have the skills at first. We had to bring in foreign companies, but we ensured the benefits flowed back to our people. Our sovereign wealth fund was built on principles of transparency and long-term public benefit. That experience, along with a strong local content policy, is something we are eager to share,” said one the business tycoon.
The meeting included remarks from several business leaders, including Jakub Petron from Access Europe, Ian Edwards from DFV, and others working in the energy and infrastructure space.
They each reiterated their commitment to explore investment opportunities in Namibia, particularly in oil, gas and renewables, as well as to partner with local businesses.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s final remarks before the media were requested to vacate the meeting room concluded with a strong call for mutually-beneficial cooperation.
“I look forward to seeing Namibian and Norwegian businesses forging partnerships. Let this be the beginning of something transformative for both our countries,” she stated.