Windhoek: Beneficiaries of projects implemented by German development agencies operating in Namibia have expressed gratitude for the support that has transformed their livelihoods and businesses.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the agencies include the German Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and KfW Development Bank. Speaking during the celebration of the 35th anniversary of German-Namibian development cooperation in Windhoek, Elizabeth Mpareke Runguro from the Kavango East Region shared how GIZ empowered her through training, equipment, and infrastructure development, enabling her to grow her agricultural business.

Runguro, who currently focuses on horticulture, plans to expand her portfolio to include poultry, piggery, and fish farming. She encouraged GIZ to continue supporting farmers willing to reduce poverty in Namibia and expressed her intention to train other farmers to help fight poverty in her region.

Another beneficiary of the same project, Kakunandunda Katuuo from the Omaheke Region, noted that through GIZ, her farm benefited from Agri PV, which provided a cold room, office space, and a solar system. She highlighted that the cold room has helped prevent post-harvest losses and expressed her appreciation for the borehole she received, which resolved previous water challenges.

Emma Koti, a participant in a housing and construction training programme implemented by Development Workshop Namibia and financed by KfW, shared her experience. She learned various aspects of construction management, including planning, choosing a builder or contractor, managing construction costs, and monitoring progress.

Germany's Ambassador to Namibia, Thorsten Hutter, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to its partnership with Namibia and other developing nations. He emphasized that development cooperation remains an important pillar of international cooperation and of the thriving bilateral friendship between Germany and Namibia.