Windhoek: Namibia and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday reviewed progress made under their strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials and renewable hydrogen, reaffirming their commitment to industrialisation, green energy, and long-term economic cooperation. The discussions formed part of the first plenary session of the second Namibia-EU Business Forum underway in Windhoek under the theme: 'Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies: Catalysing Business and Trade Opportunities Between the EU and Namibia.'
According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum aims to assess progress made under the existing Memorandum of Understanding and set priorities for the next phase of cooperation. Executive Director in the National Planning Commission (NPC), I-Ben Nashandi, emphasized the forum's focus on renewing the MoU implementation roadmap, signaling continued collaboration towards sustainable renewable energy. Nashandi highlighted Namibia's commitment to green hydrogen as a national development pillar and increasing value addition in critical raw materials.
NPC Director General, Kaire Mbuende, explained that Namibia is positioning itself as a future global supplier of green hydrogen, green ammonia, and other low-carbon industrial products. Mbuende described green hydrogen and renewable energy as transformative economic opportunities for Namibia, with major projects under development like the Hyphen project and green ammonia initiatives having the potential to transform the economy through investment, industrial infrastructure development, export expansion, and job creation.
EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, stated that the partnership has reshaped relations between Namibia and the EU over the past three years. Martins added that the extension of the strategic partnership roadmap to 2030 sends a strong political signal of continuity, confidence, and shared ambition. The three-day forum brings together government officials, investors, business leaders, and development partners to explore opportunities in renewable energy, agribusiness, mining, automotive manufacturing, and creative industries.