Windhoek: Namibia is positioning itself as a competitive investment and trade destination as the government moves to strengthen the business climate, expand value-added exports, and attract increased foreign direct investment (FDI) from the European Union (EU) and other global partners. This emerged during discussions at the second Namibia-European Union (EU) Business Forum on Wednesday, where policymakers and economists highlighted trade growth, investment reforms, and emerging opportunities in green hydrogen, renewable energy, and value-added manufacturing.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiatti, stated that Namibia is finalizing a revised investment law aimed at improving policy certainty, investor protection, and investment facilitation. She explained that the revised law, which will replace the Foreign Investment Act of 1991, follows extensive nationwide consultations with the private sector and other stakeholders. 'The goal is to foster understanding and dedication among investors, business leaders, and development partners to make Namibia a reliable gateway to long-term investment in Africa,' she said.

Nghipondoka-Robiatti further noted that Namibia continues to record growing investment interest in sectors such as oil and gas, green hydrogen, and renewable energy projects including biomass, solar, and wind energy. She emphasized that the country's political stability, rule of law, and protection of property rights continue to make Namibia an attractive investment destination despite challenges related to transport costs, energy prices, and skills shortages.

Meanwhile, EU Consultant Robin Sherbourne indicated that the EU remains one of Namibia's largest and most diversified export markets, compared to exports to other major markets, with products including fish, uranium, meat, fruit, charcoal, crustaceans, and base metals. 'Exports to the EU generate over 40,000 jobs for Namibians, especially in labor-intensive sectors such as fishing, meat, fruit, and charcoal,' he said. Sherbourne also highlighted that six EU member states, namely Spain, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Germany, account for 95 percent of Namibia's exports to the bloc.

The second Namibia-EU Business Forum is being held under the theme 'Towards Stronger, Greener, and More Diversified Economies: Catalysing Business and Trade Opportunities Between the EU and Namibia'.