EU-Namibia Business Forum 2023

The EU-Namibia Business Forum (ENBF) is set to take place from 24 to 25 October 2023, in Brussels, Belgium. Hosted under the theme: “Mobilizing quality investment and value addition for green growth in the EU-Namibia partnership” with a focus on Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Critical Raw Materials value chains, this highly anticipated two-day forum aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and strengthen partnership between EU and Namibian government, businesses, and organizations. The forum is jointly organised by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the European Union (EU).

Namibia’s President, H.E. Dr. Hage Geingob is set to feature in the opening ceremony, together with other prominent figures from the public and private sector. The forum will then delve into the discussions on inclusive green growth, critical raw materials (CRM) and green hydrogen (GH2). The agenda also includes sessions on the Clean Hydrogen Derivatives Value Chain and strategies for mitigating financial risks in GH2. The 2nd day will concentrate on CRM policies, technological advancements, and business expansion opportunities, with high-level speakers and discussions on R&D, capacity building, joint ventures, and Namibia's ambitions as a green logistics Hub.

At the press conference announcing the forum, EU’s Chargé d’Affairés, Ms Gosia Lachut said that the EU and Namibia has a long-standing and solid partnership built on political dialogue, development cooperation and economic cooperation. “As Namibia and the EU are celebrating 33 years of partnership this year, the forum comes at the right time to further promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship while enhancing economic ties between the EU and Namibia.” Mrs Lachut commended the Namibian Government and the visionary leadership of H.E. President Geingob in their efforts to develop the renewable energy sector.

On her part, NIPDB Chairperson & CEO, Ms Nangula Uaandja noted that the business forum is a testament to the strong economic diplomacy between Namibia and the EU, in part demonstrated by the partnership signed at COP27 last year, through which Namibia became the first African nation to establish a strategic partnership with the EU on critical raw materials and the green hydrogen value chain.

“Namibia continues to deepen collaboration with the EU to enable and catalyse sustainable investments and growth in the area of green hydrogen and critical raw materials, and placing Namibia at the forefront of the green transition. Being a resource-rich country, Namibia has the potential to produce green hydrogen for our own consumption, and potentially for export to the European Union and beyond. Therefore this forum is primarily anchored in the shared vision of creating linkages and partnerships that will enable Namibia to effectively leverage her resources not only to contribute towards decarbonisation, but to do so as an equal participant”, said Uaandja.

The two-day event will feature a diverse array of activities, including keynote address by distinguished speakers from Namibia and EU, high-level panel discussions, networking opportunities, exhibitions, business matchmaking, workshops and side events.

The EU and Namibia Business Forum 2023 is expected to draw a wide range of participants, including government officials, business leaders, researchers, and representatives from international organisations. This gathering will provide a unique opportunity for sharing expertise, exploring investment prospects, and developing joint ventures that contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for both regions.

For more information, please visit the official event website: https://www.enbf2023.com/

Background

In November 2022, during the COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh - Egypt, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Namibian President, H.E. Dr. Hage Geinob, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ‘Partnership on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains and Renewable Hydrogen.’ This milestone agreement marked Namibia as the first African nation to establish a strategic partnership with the EU in these priority areas.

Important Documents

EU-Namibia Road Map 2023 - 2025

EU-Namibia Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)