In case you missed it: Watch the National Planning Commission’s Executive Director, I-Ben Nashandi, speaking at the EU–Namibia Business Forum, where he highlighted that Namibia’s green hydrogen sector has moved beyond ambition, with clear policy direction anchored in the latest National Development Plan 6, and supported by a growing pipeline of projects.
He said the question o longer whether Namibia can participate in the global green hydrogen economy.
“The question now is: how quickly can we move to implementation at scale? At the same time, Europe faces an equally urgent imperative, the need to secure diversified, reliable, and sustainable energy supplies,” he said, adding that in this context, the Namibia–EU partnership is strategic.
Director General Amb. Dr. Kaire Mbuende said the signing of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Namibia and the European Union, together with the commitments to implement the roadmap, marks a renewed sense of urgency in advancing the various activities and commitments envisaged under the strategic framework.
Dr. Mbuende was speaking at the closing of the EU–Namibia Business Forum, where he noted that initiatives under the new framework will support institutional strengthening, standards development, local authority capacity building, and critical raw materials strategy development, among others.
“Let us carry forward the momentum, partnerships, and practical commitments that have emerged over the past two days,” he said, while reaffirming that Namibia remains open and ready for partnerships that promote industrial development, innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
NPC Director General, Amb. Dr. Kaire Mbuende, reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to improving the business environment by streamlining administrative processes, strengthening institutional coordination, and ensuring that investors are able to operate with clarity and confidence.
He was speaking at the EU–Namibia Business Summit, held under the theme: “Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies: Catalysing Business and Trade Opportunities between the EU and Namibia.”
He noted that the focus areas of the Business Forum are closely aligned with Namibia’s national priorities, especially agribusiness, critical raw materials, cultural and creative industries, green hydrogen and renewable energy, as well as the automotive industry.
Amb. Mbuende highlighted that the European Union (EU) remains a key partner for Namibia and a major destination for exports, with total exports amounting to N$21 billion compared to total imports of N$16 billion recorded during 2025.
He said business across industry, remain the engine of innovation, investment and job creation within the Namibian economies.
“We recognise the resilience you have shown and encourage you to use this platform to build partnerships that will continue to strengthen Namibia–EU relations, enhance trade and investment, and bring more projects to fruition,” he said.
He added that there is now an opportunity to create value chains that are resilient, transparent, and mutually beneficial.
A key takeaway from the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum is the renewed Namibia–EU Strategic Partnership roadmap, signalling a shared commitment to sustainable industrial development, green growth and inclusive economic transformation.
First launched in 2022, the partnership on sustainable raw materials and green hydrogen has now been extended for the 2026–2030 period through signatures by Amb. Kaire Mbuende, Director General of the @npc_namibia National Planning Commission, H.E. @jessikaroswall , EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and Isabella Chirchir, Commissioner of Mining at the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME).
The renewed roadmap reinforces cooperation in green industrialisation, local value addition, renewable energy, critical raw materials, skills development and investment, while advancing a shared vision for sustainable growth, industrial development and job creation. 🇪🇺🇳🇦
Hosted in partnership: @mirt_namibia@nipdb
The stage is set for the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum in Windhoek, bringing together government leaders, investors, industry experts, entrepreneurs and development partners under the theme “Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies.”
Officially opened by Amb. Kaire Mbuende, Director General of the National Planning Commission @npc_namibia , and EU Commissioner H.E. @jessikaroswall , the Forum will spotlight new opportunities in trade, green industrialisation, renewable energy, critical raw materials, green hydrogen and value addition.
“The EU-Namibia partnership has never been stronger. Let’s use this momentum to go further and deliver concrete benefits to our citizens, economies and environment,” said Commissioner Roswall.
Catch the livestream on the @mirt_namibia , @nipdb and @euinnam social media platforms.
We are delighted to welcome three new team members to the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate at the National Planning Commission.
We are strengthening efforts and Human Resources around monitoring and evaluation of the national development agenda.
Engagements on the Progress of Sports Facilities
The National Planning Commission (NPC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), continues to coordinate engagements with line ministries and regional authorities to ensure the timely development and upgrading of sports facilities across all regions.
Government, as announced by Her Excellency the President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has committed to providing basic sports facilities all regions, with the goal of ensuring that every Namibian has access to quality sporting infrastructure by 2030. This initiative aims to professionalise sport and create more opportunities for youth employment and development.
Regional Governors are spearheading implementation in partnership with Regional Councils, with support from line ministries, to ensure effective coordination and delivery of these projects.
The National Planning Commission, in partnership with the United Nations, convened the Sustainable Development Dialogue Series (SDDS) under the theme: “Navigating Global Turbulence and Fostering Partnerships for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation in Namibia.”
The dialogue comes at a critical time, as persistent external shocks continue to place pressure on economies worldwide.
Speaking at the event, NPC Executive Director I-Ben Nashandi noted that for Namibia, these shocks have real implications for households, food security, fiscal space, and inclusive growth.
“Our most effective response is to adapt and build resilience within our economy,” he said, adding that government is already implementing measures to strengthen economic, social, and environmental resilience. These include the rollout of National Development Plan 6 (NDP6), which prioritises economic transformation, human development, environmental sustainability, and effective governance.
Further efforts include investments in energy security and renewable energy to reduce dependence on imported fuels, programmes to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity, and initiatives to enhance social protection systems to better safeguard vulnerable households against shocks.
Today, the National Planning Commission received a courtesy visit from the Japan Ambassador to Namibia, His Excellency Asazuma Shinichi.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing development cooperation, and exploring strategic areas of collaboration between the two countries.
One of the key functions of the Commission is to mobilise, manage, and coordinate international development cooperation in Namibia, ensuring that partnerships such as these contribute meaningfully to national development priorities.
The National Planning Commission (NPC) team remains on the ground @ondangwa Trade Fair, engaging with the public, creating awareness, and providing information on our mandate and Namibia’s development priorities under NDP 6.
We’re here until Saturday, visit our stand to learn more, ask questions, and be part of the conversation on Namibia’s development journey.
NPC’s Director General, Ambassador Dr. Kaire Mbuende, participated in the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Forum, where he engaged in high-level discussions on global and regional development issues.
Notably, he participated in a panel discussion on financing African ambitions. The discussion reflected on the realities emerging from today’s global economic landscape, exploring how African countries are navigating fiscal pressures, debt, investment, and growth, while advancing national development priorities and strengthening economic sovereignty.
NPC is at the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition!
Join us at our stand to learn more about NPC, our mandate and how we are driving Namibia’s development agenda. This is your opportunity to engage with us directly, understand national priorities, and see how you can play a role in shaping the future of our country.
Visit our stand, engage and share your views, ideas, and aspirations for Namibia’s development.
