- The European Union has mobilised €1.3 billion (N$25 billion) in loans and grants under its Global Gateway agenda, aimed at unlocking more than €20 billion (N$400 billion) in potential private investment for Namibia’s green industrialisation.
A high-level European Union (EU) delegation, led by the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, H.E. Jozef Síkela, and the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Development, Mr. Barry Andrews with eight senior Members of the Committee, concluded an official meeting with the President of Namibia. The exchanges focused on how the EU Global Gateway investments can turn Namibia into a global leader in sustainable energy and clean industrial transformation and support SMEs, training and job creation in Namibia, while promoting sustainable and inclusive development. Image credit: Delegation of EU to Namibia
The EU delegation was received by H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia and Hon. Natangwe Ithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, as well as other high-level government representatives
The European Commissioner for International Partnership and President of Namibia discussed a comprehensive package under the EU Global Gateway agenda, which has mobilised €1.3 billion (NAD 25 billion) in loans and grants, expected to leverage over € 20 billion (NAD 400 billion) in private investments. This package supports Namibia’s ambitions to become a global leader in sustainable energy and green industrial transformation. It includes innovative projects such as HyIron and Cleanergy, alongside investments in transport networks, electricity grids, port infrastructure, and vocational training.
Related news: HyIron produces green hydrogen to produce green iron in Namibia
Discussions also focused on Critical Raw Materials (CRM). Commissioner Síkela emphasied the need to ensure that Europe and Namibia together invest in the creating of local value chains – processing of CRM, refining, which ensure that more of the value of the final product enriches the local society as well as new quality jobs in innovative sector. European approach at the same time focuses on high environmental and social standards like the €1.8 million support to cooperation between the Namibian Geological Survey and EU partners and expressed readiness to identify strategic projects and attract European investment.
The DEVE Committee Chair and senior members also paid a visit to the National Assembly of Namibia, meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Saara Amadhila, and the standing committees on Economy, Industry, Public Administration and Planning, and Gender Equality, Social Development and Family Affairs. Discussed focussed on anchoring the EU-Namibia partnership in shared values and mutual commitment through parliamentary dialogue to foster transparency, accountability, and democratic values.
The joint delegation further met representatives from the private sector, UN, the diplomatic community, civil society and media touching on all areas of human development, including education, health and governance.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
