President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has welcomed India’s proposal to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Namibia under the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ initiative.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah described it as a timely and transformative step for regional health security and economic development.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, who was on a state visit to Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the proposed facility aligns perfectly with Namibia’s strategic goal to strengthen local production in the health sector.
“We welcome India’s initiative to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Namibia. This move will not only improve access to essential medicines within the region but will also contribute to our efforts to build domestic capacity in the health sector,” she said.
The president also expressed hope the two countries would soon finalise the outstanding Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on health cooperation to further cement the partnership in this critical sector.
In addition, Nandi-Ndaitwah applauded India’s proposal to establish a Namibia–India Entrepreneurship Development Centre, which she believes will serve as a launch pad for innovation, skills development and job creation, especially among young people and women.
“This centre will inspire entrepreneurship and promote the development of essential skills that will empower our youth and women to participate meaningfully in the economy,” she added.
Highlighting the strong and growing ties between the two countries, Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed India remains one of Namibia’s largest trading partners.
She emphasised that enhancing trade and investment remains at the core of Namibia’s bilateral relations with India.
“I believe that both our countries have the capacity to expand cooperation in trade and investment and we look forward to tapping into those opportunities for the mutual benefit of our people,” she said.
Prime minister Modi’s visit to Namibia marked a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations, aimed at strengthening cooperation in health, trade, energy and innovation.