Namibia-EU Business Forum seeks N$390 billion investment for green energy and economic diversification
via The Namibian2 min read
The Namibia-European Union Business Forum, scheduled for May 12-13 in Windhoek, aims to secure N$390 billion in private investment through loans and grants under the Global Gateway initiative. This investment will support green energy, logistics hubs, and sustainable economic diversification in Namibia. EU ambassador Ana-Beatriz Martins announced the forum, emphasizing the EU's commitment to Namibia's economic growth, inclusiveness, and resilience, aligning with Namibia's sixth National Development Plan. The forum, themed 'Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies: Catalysing Business and Trade Opportunities Between the EU and Namibia', will focus on sectors such as green hydrogen, renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, cultural and creative industries, and the automotive industry. Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are expected to become key logistics hubs through these investments. Asser Nashikaku, acting chief executive director of international relations and trade, highlighted the importance of these sectors for economic transformation and employment, particularly Namibia's partnership with the EU in green hydrogen, positioning the country as a future clean energy hub. The forum, building on a previous edition in Brussels in 2023, is expected to attract around 400 high-level participants from government, the private sector, investors, development finance institutions, and policymakers.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Employees of the Kunene Regional Council are facing a financial crisis after funds allocated to the council were blocked, leaving staff without salaries for March and April. This situation stems from a directive issued last month by minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, who cited the unprocedural appointment of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb in 2021. The council's appeal against the directive was unsuccessful, leading them to challenge the legality of the minister’s decision in the High Court. Popular Democratic Movement PDM secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe highlighted the severe consequences, noting that administrative staff, including strategic and support personnel, are at risk of not receiving their salaries. The situation also affects councillors’ salaries, travel allowances, and subsistence claims, with only National Council members continuing to receive salaries directly from that body. Ngaringombe called for the immediate release of the funds, arguing that an alleged procedural error by an individual should not jeopardize the livelihoods of all council employees. Kunene Regional Council chairperson Western Muharukua described the directive as unlawful and stated the council is exploring alternative payment methods. Association of Regional Councils president Matengu Simushi condemned the move, stating the minister lacks authority to block funds for civil servants’ salaries and council operations, and suggested dialogue as a better res
Must ReadThe state has accused Petrus Shikwaya of fraudulently acquiring his uncle's vehicle, which was subsequently linked to the attack on Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda. Shiweda was attacked with a corrosive substance and shot seven times on 17 October 2025. Prosecutor Yeukai Kangira stated in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court that Shikwaya swindled his uncle, Abner Samuel, out of a Suzuki vehicle intended for a Yango business. The vehicle was allegedly given to Shikwaya's co-accused, Petrus Uusiku, as a reward for purchasing the acid used in the attack. The acid was reportedly bought on 29 September 2025 for N$1 200 in Windhoek. The vehicle was then driven north, purportedly for an earlier, failed attempt on Shiweda's life in early October 2025, before overturning in the Oshikoto region while Uusiku was returning to Windhoek. Shikwaya denies these allegations, claiming the second-hand vehicle was bought for his uncle for N$40 000 and that his uncles, Samuel and Abner Mateus, instructed him to send it north with Uusiku. However, the state presented Samuel's statement to the police, indicating his shock at the vehicle being given to Uusiku and taken out of Windhoek. The bail hearing for Shikwaya is set to continue on 9 June.
Must ReadFossil fuels are driving a global cost crisis for households, businesses, and nations, with geopolitical conflicts and instability leading to rising prices for fuel, food, and basic goods. This erodes purchasing power and strains economies worldwide. The International Energy Agency describes the current situation as the greatest global energy security threat in history, with constricted oil and gas supplies driving inflation. In Africa, many countries face rising food and fuel prices, which strain household budgets and social safety nets, potentially pushing global hunger to record levels. Namibia is experiencing higher input costs for food, fuel, and transport, impacting households and small businesses, especially in rural and lower-income areas. While some advocate for slowing the shift to renewable energy, this approach defies economic logic given the likelihood of recurring energy price shocks and accelerated global warming. Climate-related disasters, such as storms, droughts, fires, and floods, are already disrupting agriculture and damaging infrastructure across Africa, forcing governments to divert resources from development to emergency response. In Namibia, climate shocks are pressuring food systems, water availability, and livelihoods. Accelerating the transition to clean energy systems offers a viable solution, addressing both the climate crisis and cost pressures linked to fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are not dependent on vulnerable s
A new initiative, the Southern Africa Regional Ramsar Initiative Sarri, has been launched to promote the use and protection of wetlands across 12 Southern African Development Community SADC countries. Sarri aims to foster regional cooperation and ensure communities benefit from the sustainable use of natural resources. Namibian experts have welcomed the initiative, with Kenneth //Uiseb, deputy director for wildlife monitoring and research and national focal point for the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its potential to attract financial and technical resources for wetland management. Sion Iikela, a natural resources management lecturer at the International University of Management, emphasized the timely nature of Sarri, noting that many SADC wetlands are poorly managed. He cited Namibia’s Cuvelai-Etosha Basin as an example of a wetland threatened by over-harvesting, pollution, illegal hunting of water birds, and illegal sand mining. Angus Middleton, executive director of the Namibia Nature Foundation, stated that Sarri demonstrates SADC's strong commitment to the protection, restoration, and inclusive management of wetlands, which are crucial for biodiversity, local livelihoods, and cultural heritage in Namibia and the wider region. Namibia joined the Ramsar Convention in 1995 and has designated five wetlands of international importance.