Namibia marks 35 years of independence, and both the European Union and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties with the country.
The EU-Namibia relationship, which began as a donor-recipient model, has matured into a partnership of equals, guided by the Samoa Agreement, that prioritises human rights, democracy, and good governance, including gender equality and the rule of law.
The EU ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, said that the relations between the Union and Namibia are largely based on three foundations, namely political cooperation, trade, and development.
Referring to a recently commissioned study, Martins confirmed that the EU remains Namibia's largest and most diverse trading partner, with Namibia consistently enjoying a trade surplus under the EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
"Namibia's strategic choice to transition to a green economy aligns perfectly with our priorities, and we are proud to be a key partner."
As one of Namibia's closest European partners, Germany shares a deep and complex history with the country.
Ambassador Thorsten Hutter acknowledged the past while saying that there are ongoing reconciliation efforts between the two governments.
"We are working amicably to finalise an agreement on the Joint Declaration and continue to support reconciliation projects between Namibians and Germans."
Germany is also a major development partner for Namibia, with investments that surpass those in many other African nations on a per capita basis, despite Namibia's upper-middle-income status.
He said that as Namibia and Germany prepare to celebrate 35 years of development cooperation, Germany continues to provide critical support in various sectors.
In response to Namibia's drought crisis, Germany has contributed over N$11 million to the Central Emergency Response Fund as part of a broader N$58 million relief package. Additionally, funding for the Farming for Resilience Programme was recently increased by about N$20 million to support agricultural sustainability.
Both the EU and Germany are committed to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Namibia.
Dr. Hutter also highlighted Germany's growing interest in attracting young Namibians for vocational training, apprenticeships, and university education in Germany, with opportunities to work in German companies or return to Namibia to start businesses.
"My personal impression is that many Namibians value their relationship with Germany and want it to become even closer. We continue to receive numerous requests from young people seeking scholarships, training, and work opportunities in Germany."