Windhoek: Namibia's private sector is calling for stronger partnerships with Russian investors to boost agricultural production, technology transfer, and food security. This was said by the Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Titus Nampala, during a discussion at the Namibia-Russia Business Forum held in Windhoek on Friday. The discussion was held on the sidelines of the 11th Session of the Namibia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum brought together government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, mining, logistics, and manufacturing. Nampala stated that Namibia already has the strategies required to grow its economy but needs stronger partnerships and investments to implement them effectively. 'The first thing that came to mind for me is we don't lack strategies,' he said.
Nampala emphasized that Namibia's strong agricultural base provides opportunities for cooperation with international partners, particularly in agro-processing and food production. The CEO further mentioned that Namibia is seeking to transition from being largely a consumption-driven economy to one that produces more through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment.
He highlighted Russia's potential role in supporting Namibia's agricultural development through expertise in fertilizer production and modern farming technologies. 'There is a lot of know-how in this country, especially in the agricultural sector,' he said. Nampala also pointed out the potential for partnerships in fertilizer production, greenhouse farming, and irrigation technologies to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity.
'Russia is one of the largest producers of fertilizer in the world. Perhaps it's a small plant that we can set up, and in the next five or 10 years we also want to be producing some fertilizer for internal usage, but also for export to our neighbors,' he added. Nampala concluded that Namibia's vast land resources, regional transport corridors, and agricultural potential make the country well-positioned for joint investment projects that could benefit both Namibia and the broader Southern African region.
The Namibia-Russia Business Forum forms part of engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.