Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on African countries to strengthen economic cooperation and reduce dependence on external markets, saying Africa must take greater control over its own development and industrialisation.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi highlighted the blue economy as key to growth, urging shared sustainability efforts in Namibia’s aquatic-rich environment.

Namibia has called for continued climate financing and stronger cooperation with the Green Climate Fund to strengthen resilience against climate change and recurring droughts.

Kenyan President William Ruto called for urgent reforms to the global financial system, saying the current international financial architecture remains structurally unequal and continues to place disproportionate constraints on African countries seeking access to concessional financing or developing infrastructure.<

Leaders at the Africa Forward Summit have called for greater inclusion of Africa in global financial and governance institutions, stressing the need for reforms that support the continent's development ambitions.

Namibia has reiterated its support for Africa's common position on reforming the United Nations Security Council, calling for two permanent and five non-permanent African seats and the abolition of the veto power. 

If the veto is retained, Namibia insists it should be extended to all Council members. 

Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on French businesses to invest in Namibia, pointing out the country's growing economic opportunities and commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations with France.

The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, said Namibia and France continue to strengthen their diplomatic and economic relations, noting that the two countries cooperate through diplomatic missions and growing business engagements.

The president of the Kenya-Namibia Chamber of Commerce has urged Namibian diplomats and business leaders attending the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi to pursue actionable investment deals and tangible business partnerships from engagements with Kenya and more than 30 African heads of state attending the summit.

Meanwhile, NUST Acting Vice Chancellor Andrew Niikondo has urged graduates to remain resilient and use their knowledge to create opportunities, not only for themselves but for others as well, contributing to Namibia's social and economic development.