Staff Reporter
FORMER President Nangolo Mbumba has commended Spain for its intent to play a more prominent role in Africa’s development through the introduction of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028.
“In the context of advancing Spain-Africa relations, the introduction by the Spanish Government of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028 is a highly welcomed initiative that will expand the scope of our collaboration by consolidating diplomatic relations, promoting inclusive development, building bridges between societies and promoting inclusion and human rights,” he said.
He made these remarks during the official launch of the High-Level Advisory Council on the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028, held this week in Madrid, Spain.
The strategy aims to guide Spanish foreign policy towards Africa, with a focus on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, facilitating joint action, fostering sustainable development, supporting inclusive institutions, and enhancing connectivity and security across the continent. According to Mbumba, the strategy offers a pathway toward a fairer, more sustainable, and more connected world.
“This launch of the High-Level Advisory Council is thus a testimony of a maturing partnership, built on strong historic foundations and primed to enter a new era defined by the pursuit of mutually beneficial development,” Mbumba added.
He noted that Spain and Africa share a long history that dates back centuries, and that this enduring relationship continues to evolve, with increasing focus on economic development, trade, migration, security, and cultural exchange.
“Africa’s current relations with Spain, which are premised on mutual respect and commitment to sustainable development, present a tremendous opportunity for both Spain and Africa to advance their developmental agendas together through, amongst others, expansion of economic partnerships, enhanced cultural exchanges and collaboration in areas of migration, security and climate change,” he added.
Reflecting on Africa’s historical journey, Mbumba highlighted the continent’s shift from the fight for independence to a focus on social and economic transformation. He acknowledged the progress made, but stressed that more work remains in achieving structural transformation and inclusive growth—goals that cannot be realized in isolation.
“While we are clear on the path that we need to take to achieve structural transformation and inclusive growth across our entire continent, we are also cognizant of the fact that we cannot attain our goals in isolation. As the African idiom says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We therefore believe that together, Spain and Africa can go far in achieving the goals and ideals of our respective peoples,” he said.
Mbumba thus praised Spain for its commitment to Africa’s development, citing the Spain-Africa Strategy as a clear demonstration of this intent. He also reaffirmed Namibia’s full support for the strategy.
“We commend Spain for its clear intent to play a more prominent role in supporting development in Africa, at all levels, through this multifaceted strategy. As a member of the High-Level Advisory Council, Namibia reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the desired outcomes of this strategy will be achieved. We are hope that this sentiment is shared by all Council Members and that we stand ready to work together to ensure the success of this strategic partnership,” Mbumba said.
