Namibia-EU conference kicks off
The two-day Namibia-EU Trade and Sustainability Conference that opened this week brought together key stakeholders from across the globe to discuss shared goals of sustainable economic growth, responsible trade practices and enhanced cooperation between Namibia and the European Union (EU).
In her opening remarks yesterday, trade minister Lucia Iipumbu expressed appreciation for the strong partnership with the EU, which has been crucial in advancing the country’s trade and sustainability agenda.
She particularly thanked Ana Beatriz Martins, the EU ambassador to Namibia, for the EU's unwavering support through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) support programme.
"Your presence here underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting Namibia as we navigate the evolving landscape of global trade and sustainability standards," the minister said.
Over the course of the conference, which ends today, experts will dive into critical EU regulations to enhance sustainability and ethical practices within global trade.
Central to the discussions will be the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EUCSDDD) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Multiple initiatives
Martins, during the occasion highlighted that the conference would also touch on significant investment opportunities for Namibia, especially in the green hydrogen sector.
"In October 2023, late president of Namibia, Hage Geingob, visited Brussels to endorse, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the roadmap for the EU–Namibia strategic partnership, which is backed by 1 billion euros of grants and private/public investments by the EU, its member states and European financial institutions," Martins explained.
"Most recently, Namibia’s green industrialisation agenda received a significant boost with the announcement of four Team Europe initiatives, for the amount of 36.9 million euros, during the Global African Hydrogen Summit held in Windhoek in September this year," she added.
In her opening remarks yesterday, trade minister Lucia Iipumbu expressed appreciation for the strong partnership with the EU, which has been crucial in advancing the country’s trade and sustainability agenda.
She particularly thanked Ana Beatriz Martins, the EU ambassador to Namibia, for the EU's unwavering support through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) support programme.
"Your presence here underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting Namibia as we navigate the evolving landscape of global trade and sustainability standards," the minister said.
Over the course of the conference, which ends today, experts will dive into critical EU regulations to enhance sustainability and ethical practices within global trade.
Central to the discussions will be the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EUCSDDD) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Multiple initiatives
Martins, during the occasion highlighted that the conference would also touch on significant investment opportunities for Namibia, especially in the green hydrogen sector.
"In October 2023, late president of Namibia, Hage Geingob, visited Brussels to endorse, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the roadmap for the EU–Namibia strategic partnership, which is backed by 1 billion euros of grants and private/public investments by the EU, its member states and European financial institutions," Martins explained.
"Most recently, Namibia’s green industrialisation agenda received a significant boost with the announcement of four Team Europe initiatives, for the amount of 36.9 million euros, during the Global African Hydrogen Summit held in Windhoek in September this year," she added.
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