US petroleum company Chevron and the non-profit Palms for Life have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at curbing food insecurity and malnutrition in Namibia.

The two-year agreement, to run from next month, will see the partnership providing daily nutritious meals to children under the age of five, as well as to pregnant women, marginalised communities and breastfeeding mothers in eight regions.

Chevron Country Manager Beatrice Bienvenu said that through the agreement, they would assist communities with food support and mitigate the effects of drought across various affected communities.

She indicated that they are one of the largest US investors in Namibia, reaffirming their commitment to respond to the country's call in times of emergency.

"We are committed to responding to the government's call for contributions to emergency drought relief to combat food and water scarcity in Namibia," said Bienvenu.

The representative of Palms for Life Fund, representing Executive Director Belinda Karuaihe, explained the reasoning behind the social responsibility gesture. 

The Special Advisor in the Presidency, Carlos McLeod, commended both parties for stepping up. 

"The initiative championed by Chevron and Palms for Life addresses a critical foundation of prosperity and food security. The emergency food support programme directly supports our national goals of combating malnutrition and building resilient communities. It is a powerful example of how our collaboration between the government, the private sector and civil society can create meaningful, immediate impacts for our people."

The programme is estimated to benefit over 15,000 people each year.