Japan has, to date, dispatched more than 100 teachers across different schools, while the construction of additional classrooms in Namibia continues.

Funded through Japan's "Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects' programme, Namibia has been a beneficiary of school buildings and around 300 classrooms since 1997.

Japan's Ambassador to Namibia provided an update on this and other matters of mutual concern between the two countries to President Nangolo Mbumba at State House.

Japan's Ambassador to Namibia, Nishimaki Hisao, expressed condolences to the government and the people of Namibia on the death of the late Hage Geingob.

Hisao said this during the celebration of Japan's Emperor's birthday, where he also reaffirmed his country and Namibia's strong ties.

The festivities commenced with cultural activities by the children of Village Hope, showcasing Japanese traditions and customs.

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) remains a dedicated partner for Namibia to ensure food security for all.

This commitment was reaffirmed at the handover of gardening tools and irrigation systems to 308 beneficiaries in the Ohangwena Region, valued at N$2.2 million.

FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture are the implementers of the project funded by the government of Japan.

N$25 million will cover four focal regions, namely Ohagwena, ||Kharas, Kavango West, and Zambwezi, to tackle climate-induced shocks.

Japan's involvement in Namibia's health sector signifies hope, progress, and a promise for a better tomorrow.

Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Jeremia Nghipundjua, says that collaborative efforts between Namibia, Japan, and UNICEF underscore the commitment to bolster the country's healthcare infrastructure and safeguard public health in Namibia.

The government of Japan, in partnership with UNICEF, officially handed over vital cold chain supplies to Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The Minister in the Presidency, Christine ||Hoebes, has appealed to Japan to provide assistance in training Namibians in emerging sectors such as Green Hydrogen, oil, and gas.

||Hoebes, along with other Cabinet Ministers, held discussions with the visiting Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry and his delegation at State House.

Japan ranks among the top Asian countries with advanced industries in technology required for the production of energy, including green hydrogen and other sources of energy.

The war in Ukraine has led to escalating food and commodity prices, affecting access to food by vulnerable communities in Namibia. The country's economy is highly dependent on food imports, with over 60% of Namibia's food imported annually; hence, combined with the effects of COVID-19 and climate-induced shock, the country is facing an eminent food crisis, especially with vulnerable communities.

To this effect, the World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the government of Japan, launched a Food Voucher Program at Tsintsabis in the Oshikoto Region.