Germany says it remains committed to strengthening its long-standing relationship with Namibia through development cooperation, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. The two countries have shared diplomatic and development ties for 36 years, with cooperation extending beyond governments to include businesses, civil society, tourism, culture and education. In this interview, Germany’s former ambassador to Namibia, Dr. Thorsten Hütter, speaks to Future Media journalist Tonata Kadhjila about the past, present and future of the partnership between the two countries.
TK: Dr. Hütter, last week you were at the Toshan National Park, where many exciting and interesting things happened. But let’s start at the beginning. Namibia and Germany both describe each other as close partners, and that has been the case for many years. Ambassador, help us unpack the significance of this relationship before and after independence, and where we are today.
Ambassador: Thank you. As you said, our two countries are connected through very long-standing ties. It is a history that has had its ups and downs. That certainly does not mean that anyone will forget the past, especially not on our part.
We believe history should serve as a foundation for the present and the future. In the many conversations I have had with Namibians across the country, this is a point that has been raised many times. People want to focus on the present.
They also want to focus on the future. They want to see how Namibia and Germany, and Namibians and Germans, can work together for the benefit of our two countries.
TK: We are living in a very complex geopolitical time across the world. What are Germany’s priorities, not just this year but in general, when it comes to peace and security, democracy and multilateralism? Of course, diplomacy plays an important role because it helps facilitate communication on these issues.
What is your country focusing on? And how has this helped developing countries such as Namibia grow certain sectors of their industries?
Ambassador: The times have changed. I think we have all realised that. It means we also have to respond and adapt.
It is clear to the German government that we must ensure Germany, Europe and the wider world have security, peace, freedom and prosperity. Those are the goals my country and my government are focusing on.
As I said, the situation has changed. German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last year something that I believe is very true. Germany is not at war, but it is also not at peace.
So we have to increase spending on security. We must ensure we have a strong European Union. We want a strong NATO.
We also want to strengthen our partnerships and alliances with countries such as Namibia.
TK: As the geopolitical climate continues to change, what is Germany focusing on when it comes to peace and security, multilateralism and democracy? Your office, as the highest German government representative office in Namibia, drives this agenda through diplomacy and engagement with counterparts. What does that look like for Germany?
Ambassador: I believe Namibia has a very special place in Germany’s heart.
We have not only enjoyed 36 years of diplomatic relations, but also 36 years of development cooperation. Our relationship goes far beyond what our two governments do together.
It involves many people in Germany and Namibia. I have had many visitors from Germany who love this country. They come here often and engage in business, social, cultural and scientific activities.
Just on Friday, I attended a football match. The under-17 team from the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia visits Namibia every two years. In the alternate years, a Namibian under-17 team visits Germany.
These young people meet and play football. Unfortunately, the German team lost and the Namibian team won. But that’s what football is about.
It means people come together, meet and see each other eye to eye. I think that is a very good foundation for our relationship.
TK: Let’s move beyond the bilateral relationship between Namibia and Germany. There is also the broader role of the United Nations.
How do Namibia and Germany cooperate within the United Nations? And more broadly, what about Africa’s representation within the UN system?
Ambassador: Namibia is a very special partner for us because it is an exceptionally stable and peaceful country. It has peaceful transitions, which is highly commendable.
It is one of Africa’s outstanding countries when it comes to democracy and freedom of speech, and that is highly valued.
It is also important that Namibia is a very safe country because about 120,000 German tourists visit every year. Tourism is a major economic sector and an important job creator for Namibians.
TK: How do Namibia and Germany cooperate within the United Nations system? And what is Germany’s position on greater African representation within the UN?
Ambassador: All African countries are represented in the United Nations system, so it is a very large group.
For a long time, Germany has supported the African Union’s request for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
It reflects Africa’s growing importance and the desire of African countries to share responsibility for making the world more secure.
Germany and Namibia both support international law, the United Nations and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Germany is also one of the largest contributors to the United Nations.
A few years ago, when work on the Pact for the Future began, the UN Secretary-General selected Namibia and Germany as co-facilitators.
That meant many meetings and discussions to develop the Pact for the Future, which was adopted in September 2024.
For the first time, it includes a declaration on future generations and aims to ensure the world remains a secure and livable place for generations to come.
While we are speaking, work is continuing to implement the Pact for the Future. It is not just a document. It is a guiding principle.
TK: How active is civil society cooperation between Germany and Namibia?
Ambassador: Our cooperation goes far beyond what governments do.
Many people come to see me, while many others simply continue with their work without needing the German Embassy or the ambassador’s support.
I am always fascinated by the vibrancy of the city twinning partnerships.
Last year, the Mayor of Bremen visited Namibia. The Mayor of Berlin was also here to celebrate 25 years of these partnerships.
We have cultural activities involving musicians and artists. We also have people engaged in many different social activities.
That is what makes our relationship so vibrant and positive.
TK: Before we move on, I’d like to talk about the Buddy Bear later in our conversation.
First, let’s discuss German companies in Namibia. We have spoken before about how many operate through South Africa, but their activities also extend into Namibia.
Can you explain the investment opportunities between Namibia and Germany? Please also touch on the knowledge exchange taking place through the vocational training centres.
Ambassador: As you mentioned earlier, our relationship goes back a long way.
There are German Namibians and German-Namibian companies here. There are also many large German companies based in South Africa.
So there is direct trade between Germany and Namibia, as well as trade through South Africa.
German companies have invested here, and many are interested in opportunities across Africa.
I attended a meeting with German companies in September during our annual ambassadors’ conference in Berlin. It was very well attended.
So I remain optimistic about what German companies want to do here.
You also mentioned the vocational training centres.
There are two vocational training centres in Valombola and Katima Mulilo that were established with support from Germany’s development agency, GIZ.
There is also a new project supported entirely by German companies and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry called Talentsbridge.
The idea is to establish a training centre in Windhoek to train young Namibians and give them the opportunity to receive further training in Germany.
After that, it is up to them to decide whether they want to remain in Germany or return to Namibia.
There are many opportunities because of this strong interest.
TK: Let’s talk about the Buddy Bear.
Where is it now? It was unveiled on 17 October last year. What is the significance of the Buddy Bear for the partnership between Berlin and Windhoek?
Ambassador: The name Berlin is historically linked to the bear.
The Buddy Bear was created years ago and represents the vibrant capital city of Germany.
It was unveiled during the visit of the Mayor of Berlin, who came to celebrate 25 years of the partnership between Windhoek and Berlin.
We hope it brings a smile to people’s faces.
The Buddy Bear in front of the Sanlam Centre, where the German Embassy is located, was decorated by a Namibian artist.
I’m glad you’ve seen it, and I hope many more people will come and see it.
TK: I’ve seen it. It’s a fantastic piece.
As we conclude, this is Espresso with Germany: Beyond the Headlines. We have been joined by His Excellency Dr. Thorsten Hütter, Germany’s ambassador to Namibia.
We haven’t even had our espresso yet because we got carried away talking.
How can we unlock the full potential of the German and Namibian economies so that both countries benefit from this relationship?
Ambassador: I believe we have already achieved a great deal, especially over the past 36 years since my country has been united and Namibia became independent.
What is sometimes forgotten is that Germany also supported Namibia’s independence through the United Nations.
It always brings a smile to my face when I drive through Katutura and pass Hans-Dietrich Genscher Street, named after Germany’s foreign minister at the time.
I am proud of that. Germany played its part in Namibia’s independence.
We have already achieved a lot, and we will certainly continue our bilateral development cooperation.
You mentioned the handover ceremony I attended at Toshan National Park with the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the Director General of the Planning Commission.
It was a wonderful event and showed what we can achieve together.
That is only in the areas of the environment, national parks and tourism.
We also work together in energy and water. We have strong cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
I always tell people that the 120,000 German tourists who visit Namibia each year are probably your country’s best ambassadors.
They return home and tell their families and friends how beautiful Namibia is. That encourages more people to visit.
I have met people who told me that when they informed their friends they were coming to Namibia, every second person replied, “I’ve been there.”
That is unique, and it is a strong foundation on which we can continue building.
TK: Thank you, Ambassador.
Let’s finally have our espresso.
This has been Espresso with Germany, a four-part series.
If you would like to learn more, visit our social media platforms, where we will continue sharing information about the relationship between Namibia and Germany and the development taking place on the ground.
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