Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Africa, Europe, and the Middle East to deepen partnerships in key sectors such as health, education, research, agro-industry, and green energy, saying such collaboration is critical for building a sustainable and inclusive future.
She made the call in New York during the 7th ECAM (European Council for Africa and Middle East) Summit, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The summit brought together representatives from more than 20 countries across four continents under the theme “African Leaders for Change: Forging Cooperation in Health, Education, Research, Agro-Industry, and Green Energy.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that Namibia’s national priorities are focused on reducing unemployment, improving healthcare, ensuring education for all, addressing inequality, and driving sustainable economic growth. She highlighted public-private partnerships as central to achieving these goals.
“Namibia is charting a new course. We are driving investment in the agro-industry to strengthen food security while positioning ourselves in global markets for products such as beef, blueberries, and grapes,” she said, adding that these emerging industries provide the country with a competitive edge.
The President outlined Namibia’s development agenda, built on four pillars: human capital development through education and research; economic transformation and diversification; green growth and energy transition; and equitable healthcare.
She emphasised the country’s potential as a leader in renewable energy, particularly in green hydrogen, citing Namibia’s unique combination of abundant sun, wind, and coastal resources. “We call on the private sector and global investors to partner with us in unlocking Namibia’s vast potential,” she said.
On healthcare, Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access for rural and urban communities alike. She also pointed to Namibia’s involvement in initiatives such as the Pan-African University, which strengthens research capacity for continental development.
“The challenges we face — from pandemics to climate change, from inequality to conflict — transcend borders and require collective action,” she said. “This summit demonstrates the importance of building bridges between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East for shared prosperity.”
Concluding her remarks, Nandi-Ndaitwah invited investors and visitors to Namibia, describing it as a nation offering peace, stability, modern infrastructure, and the warmth of its people. “Namibia is more than a destination — it is a place where investment can find a home and where vast open spaces inspire both vision and discovery,” she said.
