EU Namibia Political Dialogue 2022
The 2022 Session of the EU-Namibia Political Dialogue took place in Windhoek on Wednesday, 28 September 2022. The Session, which was co-chaired by Hon Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of Namibia, and H.E. Sinikka Antila, Ambassador of the EU to Namibia, was dedicated to the Day of the Namibian Child, marked annually on the 28th of September, the day Namibia ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Ten (10) EU Member States attended in total, with eight (8) in person, namely Spain, Germany, France, Finland, Portugal, Ireland, Poland and Sweden, while Belgium and Italy joined online. The Namibian Delegation included Hon. Kornelia Shilunga, Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, H.E. Dr. Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus, Namibia’s Ambassador to the EU, and representatives from the following Ministries, Offices and Agencies (OMAs): the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, National Planning Commission, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry o f Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, and the International Women Peace Centre.
The agenda allowed the two parties to engage in an in-depth discussion on a number of topics of shared and common interest, ranging from Namibia-EU relations, peace and security, climate change; trade and economic cooperation, among others.
A special focus was given to Namibia’s industrialisation aspirations in order to enhance economic growth and development, while addressing socio-economic challenges, such as youth unemployment, and social inequalities. The parties discussed the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as support to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Deliberations also focused on a planned Partnership on Sustainable Critical Raw Materials Value Chains and Renewable Hydrogen. Upon conclusion, the Partnership will give rise to a new chapter of economic cooperation between Namibia and the EU , including the private sector, promoting industrialization, the beneficiation to critical raw materials which are strategic for energy transition and the development of a green hydrogen economy in Namibia.
The Dialogue also covered human rights issues, with particular attention to the Namibia’s role as the member of the UN Human Rights Council. The meeting confirmed the shared interests in the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and congratulated Namibia upon assuming the role of Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
EU development cooperation under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme covers priority areas, including Foundational Skills and Education, Inclusive Green Growth, Good Governance and Gender Equality.
Both parties reiterated their shared commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security, the rule of law, the peaceful resolution of disputes and multilateralism with the UN at its core, as enablers to resolve global challenges.
Both Co-Chairs expressed appreciation for the hosting of the Dialogue which allowed for an open exchange of views towards the enhancement of Namibia-EU relations.