FREDRICK BUCHANE
Namibia and the European Union (EU) have renewed commitment to strengthen economic cooperation in future.
The EU is Namibia’s largest export market.
Speaking at the opening of the Namibia -European Union Dialogue Session on Monday the EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said the relationship between the parties is hinged on principles of solidarity, rooted in shared values of democracy, peace, and respect for human rights.
“We share common interest and values in many areas and aspire a partnership that generates benefits for the people of Namibia and Europe. We do not say it often enough, but the European Union remains Namibia’s largest export market, its third-largest source of imports, and its most diversified trading partner,” she said.
She said the current Economic Partnership Agreement with Namibia offers duty and quota-free access to the EU market, maintaining a consistent positive trade balance between the two parties.
Martins added that the EU has been supporting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) since its inception.
She said such support reflects the strength of economies, and underscores shared commitment to fair, rules-based trade as a driver of sustainable economic growth and job creation.
“The Strategic Partnership on Green Hydrogen and Critical Raw Materials launched in 2022, has placed our relationship on a new level.It also demonstrates what we can achieve together when we join forces. Projects like HyIron, supported under the Global Gateway Strategy, are not only pioneering a green industrialisation, but are also creating jobs for Namibians, advancing technology, and placing Namibia at the forefront of a sustainable global energy future,” she said.
Martins reiterated that cooperation between the EU and Namibia is now broader than energy.
“We are investing in early childhood education, vocational skills for youth, support for gender equality, and joint efforts to strengthen transparency and fight corruption and organised crime. These are building blocks for a resilient, inclusive economy.
“We commend Namibia for its ambitious and visionary 6th National Development Plan. We are pleased that the priorities of the EU and MS as Team Europe are closely aligned with the NPDP6, and the overall objective to improve opportunities for Namibian Youths. Rest assured that the EU remains a reliable partner on cooperation and trade,” she said.
Meanwhile Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala Musavyi lauded the growing partnerships between the two parties saying the EU is Namibia’s largest export market for a variety of products, including fish, meat, table grapes, precious stones and metals, ores, and charcoal, among others.
“Equally, Namibia imports high-value goods from EU Member States, such as mineral fuels and oils, pharmaceuticals, machinery, general-use equipment, vehicles, and automotive parts.
“In addition to goods, the EU’s robust services sector is also active in Namibia, particularly in finance, technology, and communications. This dynamic relationship represents a win-win exchange and mutually beneficial trade partnership. However, like all such relationships, it requires regular review and adaptation to reflect current realities, especially in Namibia and the evolving international and regional economic landscape,” she said.
She said Namibia appreciates the tangible and consistent support extended by the European Union towards our national priorities.
“The list of specific projects and programmes funded by the EU in Namibia is extensive. However, allow me to highlight just a few recent and notable examples including the financing of N$730 million to Namibia’s Green Industrialisation Project, The Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition (TIDRET) ProjecT, The Etunda Feedlot Project; and Humanitarian aid to support Namibia’s drought response,” Ashipala Musavyi said.
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