BALI — Herman Pule Diamonds, Namibia’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Indonesia, has called on Indonesian industry leaders to partner with Namibia in various sectors to boost both economic and social progress in their countries. This appeal was made during the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, which took place in Bali from September 1 to 3, 2024.
According to Namibia Press Agency, who responded to questions from Nampa on Tuesday, the focus of this collaboration is to explore areas where both nations can leverage their compatibilities and synergies to drive development. “Our call is out there for the Indonesian captains of industry to venture with their Namibian counterparts to engage in meaningful collaboration in various areas,” he stated. Diamonds highlighted potential sectors for collaboration including capacity building, human capital development, agriculture, agro-processing, mining, health, education, and youth empowerment, all under the umbrella of the Joint Commission of Cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador further emphasized the alignment of these cooperative efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the Declaration of the Right to Development. Key focus areas would include energy, water, and terrestrial ecosystem improvements, which are critical for addressing food security, hunger, environmental degradation, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Diamonds also noted that Namibia aims to leverage Indonesia’s extensive experience and expertise in clean energy, particularly highlighting Namibia’s ambitions in green hydrogen as part of this strategic engagement. “Namibia views Indonesia in a very positive light, predicated on the historical role it played and continues to play in the transformative trajectory of most African nations from apartheid-colonialism and imperialism to freedom and self-determination,” he remarked.
The ambassador disclosed that the two nations have signed 13 bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding covering economic and technical cooperation, mineral resources and energy, broadcasting, trade and industry, agriculture, and visa exemptions, among other areas. The forum was conducted under the theme ‘The Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063’ and saw representation from 29 African countries.