STAFF WRITER
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called for improved economic cooperation between Kenya and Namibia.
Speaking at the Namibia -Kenya Business Forum in Nairobi on Wednesday the Vice President said Kenya has established itself as a continental leader in innovation, financial technology, entrepreneurship, logistics, and agribusiness. She said Namibia, on the other hand, offers political stability, sound governance, strategic logistics infrastructure, abundant natural resources, and significant opportunities in energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
“Together, our countries possess complementary strengths that can support industrial growth, regional value chains, and sustainable economic development.
But beyond identifying opportunities, we must also ask ourselves an important question: How do we ensure that economic growth translates into meaningful improvement in the lives of our people?,” she said.
She said economic cooperation between the two countries should translate into job creation, skills transfer, and better opportunities for young people, women, and emerging entrepreneurs.
“Africa is home to one of the youngest populations in the world. This demographic reality presents both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity. If properly
empowered, Africa’s youth can become the driving force behind industrialisation, innovation, and economic transformation across our continent,” she said.
She said Namibia is undergoing a significant economic transformation.
“ Our country is positioning itself as a competitive investment destination and a strategic gateway to Southern Africa. We continue to invest in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and industrial development to support long-term economic growth,” she said.
She said Namibia and Kenya are collaborating in digital innovation, agribusiness and the cultural and creative industries.
According to Witbooi Kenya’s strong ecosystem in technology, fintech and cultural and creative industry, combined with Namibia’s strategic location, stable business environment and expanding industrial base, presents significant opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
“At the same time, Namibia continues to pursue value addition in mining, expansion in agro-processing, growth in manufacturing and the development of
modern logistics corridors anchored around the Port of Walvis Bay. We therefore welcome strategic partnerships with Kenyan businesses and investors in these sectors and many others,” she said.
The Vice President said the future of Africa’s prosperity cannot depend solely on external markets and external solutions.
“The Namibia-Kenya Business Forum should therefore serve as a catalyst for long-term cooperation between our business communities and institutions. I encourage businesses gathered here today to move beyond dialogue and actively pursue partnerships, joint ventures, technology exchange, and investment opportunities that will contribute to economic growth in both our countries,”she said.
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