Windhoek: Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh, president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), is undertaking a three-day visit to Namibia this week in one of his first high-level engagements since assuming office on 01 July 2025. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) announced that the visit aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between Namibia and the bank. This visit follows an invitation from Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the visit seeks to deepen existing relations and explore new areas of cooperation in trade, investment, and development, in line with the objectives of National Development Plan 6. Almusaibeeh was received by Ashipala-Musavyi, alongside Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi, Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah, and Deputy Minister of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti.

The ministry's statement highlighted that discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and identifying priority sectors for partnership aligned with Namibia's national development goals. Almusaibeeh is also scheduled to meet with other key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to explore possible areas of collaboration.

BADEA provides a range of development finance products and services, including concessional loans to public and private entities, as well as financing for trade, infrastructure, agriculture, rural development, and social sectors. The bank also offers grants aimed at strengthening capacity development. MIRT emphasized the longstanding strategic partnership between Namibia and BADEA, centred on infrastructure development, agricultural growth, and financial cooperation.