Talks on bilateral development cooperation are currently underway between Namibia and Germany. At the start of the three-day meeting in Luderitz, the Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Kaire Mbuende, called for a shift from traditional development cooperation aid to co-investment, technology transfer and skills development.
The bilateral talks will focus on, among others, priorities of the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), status updates on socio-economic developments, and addressing key areas including green hydrogen, job creation, and investment promotion.
"In this regard, we emphasise the importance of local capacity building, ensuring that the technical assistance provided under our cooperation translates into strengthened national systems, institutions, and human capital. Namibia's youthful population is our greatest asset."
Dr. Mbuende welcomed increased scholarships, vocational training, and research partnerships resulting from development cooperation, saying it empowers the youth to drive innovation within emerging sectors such as green hydrogen.
German Ambassador to Namibia, Dr. Thorsten Hutter, noted that the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza, a global economic downturn and changing political sentiments contributed to a massive reduction in development aid budgets in many developed countries.
"And, as you are aware, it will undoubtedly also have an impact on our Namibian-German development cooperation. However, we know that all countries are globally connected and that one country can't thrive without the others. We are convinced of international solidarity and the achievement of SDGs, and Germany lives up to these values in our foreign and development policy."
Also speaking at the occasion was the governor of ||Kharas, Dawid Gertze, who said, "It is my submission that Germany represents a steadfast commitment to global solidarity and a tangible contribution to stability and sustainable development in Namibia. Together, we have seen the fruits of this collaboration: improved health, enhanced educational opportunities, and a strengthened framework for economic growth."
The bilateral talks will conclude on Thursday.