Namibia is eager to build on the support it received from the former Soviet Union during Africa's struggle for political freedom by pursuing economic independence through cooperation with Russia and other African countries.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said economic cooperation and peace and security will be key to Namibia's participation in the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

Africa is aggressively pushing to move from political liberation to economic emancipation; Namibia, in particular, wants partnerships that can translate into tangible benefits.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that the summit, which runs alongside a business forum, therefore offers an opportunity to advance economic cooperation between Russia and African countries.

She outlined Namibia and the continent's expectations from the high-level gathering, shortly before departing for Moscow.

“You know that we are now in the era of economic emancipation. Just as Africa worked with the Soviet Union during the struggle for political emancipation, we now have to take that cooperation to the next level, which is economic emancipation. That has been the underlying factor behind the first and second summits, as well as this third summit. The aim is to strengthen economic cooperation and ensure peace and security because, when a country is economically strong, it can maintain peace and stability. So, the most important thing now is how best we can take care of our citizens and ensure that they enjoy their independence.”

The third edition of the Russia-Africa summit is taking place from the 28 to 29th October.

The Russian government has since announced that the summit is intended to meet several key objectives such as bolstering high-level political dialogue and culminating in the signing of agreements in trade, security and other fields.