Opuwo:Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has called for enhanced development cooperation to tackle the increasing impact of climate and environmental challenges, aiming to create opportunities for communities to adapt and benefit from emerging economic activities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Muharukua made these remarks during the 2026 Namibia-Germany Bilateral Consultations on Development Cooperation held in Opuwo. The event gathered representatives from both governments to evaluate progress in development projects and explore new areas of collaboration.
Muharukua emphasized the importance of climate resilience in development planning, particularly in regions like Kunene, where communities heavily rely on natural resources and livestock. He highlighted that prolonged droughts have severely impacted the livestock sector, noting a significant decline in cattle numbers from approximately 580,000 in 2019 to about 70,000 in 2025.
He underscored the need for Namibia's development partnerships to align with national priorities, respecting the country's ownership of its development agenda. Muharukua identified Kunene's potential in tourism, livestock, biodiversity, renewable energy, and mining, advocating for cooperation to unlock these opportunities and address barriers preventing community participation in the formal economy.
The governor also stressed the importance of value addition, skills and enterprise development, technology transfer, and employment as Namibia seeks to capitalize on opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical minerals.
In addition, National Planning Commission Executive Director I-Ben Nashandi spoke at the consultations, emphasizing the need for planning to prepare for potential climate shocks, including the impending El Ni±o phenomenon. Nashandi warned that such challenges could jeopardize development gains from Namibia-Germany cooperation if not adequately addressed.
The consultations are anticipated to reinforce cooperation between Namibia and Germany, ensuring that development assistance remains responsive to Namibia's priorities.