Embassy of Namibia - Belgium

Green Industries Diplomacy: Today, the Director General of the National Planning Commission, Hon. Kaire Mbuende, and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI concluded site visits to Enertrag energy facilities in Dauerthal and Ostweddingen, eastern Germany. The transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation demands innovative solutions for energy production. With its exceptional solar and wind resources, Namibia is well positioned to lead in green hydrogen and green ammonia technologies. Our engagements with business leaders and senior executives from Enertrag and Hyphen reaffirmed one key message: Namibia is an ideal destination for large scale renewable energy projects. We are moving from ambition to implementation.

On the final day of the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, Netherlands, The Director General of the National Planning Commission, Amb. Dr. Kaire Mbuende, reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to green hydrogen as a key pillar of the country’s development agenda and a new frontier for economic growth. Speaking during the Spotlight Session: Namibia Hydrogen Developments, Ambassador Mbuende highlighted Namibia’s ambition to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030, strengthen domestic productive capacity, and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts. He further reaffirmed that Namibia is ready for strategic partnerships in the production of green molecules and positioning the country as a future hub for low-carbon industry in Southern Africa. Ambassador Mbuende also toured the exhibition hall, accompanied by H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari, where they engaged with exhibitors and stakeholders showcasing the latest developments and innovations in the global hydrogen sector.

Day 2 of the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition saw the Namibian delegation engage in strategic meetings, investor discussions, and conversations on financing opportunities for green hydrogen projects, with the highlight of the day being the visit to the Port of Rotterdam. The visit provided valuable insight into the infrastructure and logistics supporting the production, storage, and transportation of green energy products, including ammonia, iron, and other hydrogen derivatives. Namibia remains committed to advancing its Green Hydrogen Initiative through continued collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and the private sector.

H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI joined Amb.Dr. Kaire MBUENDE, Director General of the National Planning Commission at the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam (19-21 May 2026), where they will be engaging in strategic discussions and highlighting Namibia’s progress in the green hydrogen sector. Namibia’s participation at the summit reflects the country’s commitment to advancing green hydrogen as one of the key driver of economic growth, skills development, and job creation, while strengthening global partnerships and investment opportunities.

🇳🇦🇪🇺 Recap: 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum, 11–13 May 2026 The 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum, held in Windhoek from 11–13 May 2026, brought together more than 400 participants for three days of high-level dialogue and engagement under the theme “Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies.” Discussions focused on critical raw materials, renewable hydrogen, creative industries, agribusiness, automotive, and logistics, reinforcing shared priorities for sustainable industrial development, trade, and investment cooperation. A key milestone of the Forum was the signing and renewal of the Namibia-EU Roadmap, alongside commitments to deepen cooperation in green industrialisation, value addition, and strategic sectors driving long-term economic transformation and partnership.

H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI joined Nina Katangana on the Daily Roundup to reflect on the achievements of the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum. The Forum brought together over 400 participants for three days of intensive discussions focused on critical raw materials, renewable hydrogen, creative industries, agribusiness, the automotive sector, and logistics. H.E Dr: HENGARI highlighted the growing Namibia–EU partnership as a catalyst for industrial development, investment, and job creation, supporting more than 40,000 jobs in Namibia and thousands more across Europe.

On the margins of the 2nd Namibia-EU Business Forum, H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI visited Antwerp-based diamond cutting and polishing companies with operations in Namibia. The visit highlighted the importance of value addition within Namibia’s diamond sector and strengthening partnerships that promote industrial growth, skills transfer, and sustainable economic development. H.E Dr. HENGARI emphasized the need for deeper collaboration between Namibia and European partners to ensure that Namibia continues to benefit from local beneficiation and increased participation across the diamond value chain.

The renewal of the EU Roadmap marks a new chapter in the Namibia–EU partnership 🇳🇦🇪🇺 Following the successful conclusion of the 2nd Namibia-EU Business Forum in Windhoek, the renewed commitment reflects growing confidence in Namibia as a hub for green industrialisation, sustainable investment, and trade. Over three days of dialogue, collaboration, and engagement, the forum highlighted opportunities across renewable hydrogen, critical raw materials, agribusiness, automotive manufacturing, and the creative industries reinforcing a shared vision for stronger, greener, and more diversified economies. Together, Namibia and the EU continue to build partnerships that drive innovation, create jobs, and unlock long-term prosperity.

VOTE OF THANKS BY H.E. DR. ALFREDO TJIURIMO HENGARI ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2ND NAMIBIA–EU BUSINESS FORUM WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, 11 – 13 MAY 2026 Saint Ambrose of Milan, who lived many years ago would remind us: “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” It is why I am delighted to have been given the brief, but pleasant duty of delivering the vote of thanks this morning. On behalf of everyone in this room, I would like to thank Ambassador Kaire Mbuende for delivering on behalf of Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a truly inspirational keynote address on this occassion of the opening of the 2nd Namibia-EU Business Forum, convening under the theme: “Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies.” The tireless leadership, exceptional dedication, and vision of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah over the past year has set a benchmark of excellence and we look forward to her continued guidance. President Nandi-Ndaitwah is leading by example and we are honored to have her at the helm of our Republic. I also wish to express sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Commissioner Jessika Roswall for her presence and for reaffirming the importance of the Namibia–European Union partnership. In the same vein, I extend gratitude to H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins and the European Union for their continued cooperation and support. This opening ceremony, which sets the scene for the Forum is the culmination of hard work, at times difficult, but overall excellent coordination between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the European Union. As the focal points, the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Honorable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi and Ambassador Kaire Mbuende provided oustanding leadership, from conceptualisation to realisation of this Forum, alongside Executive Director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, the Acting CEO Ms Hauwanga of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and staff members in different Government Ministries, and of course our European Union counterparts. This Forum reflects the growing strength and neccessity of the Namibia–EU partnership. From engagements at COP27 in Egypt, to the first EU-Namibia Business Forum held in Brussels in October 2023, and now to this second Forum here in Windhoek, we have witnessed the steady growth in our cooperation. Crucially, our partnership is increasingly being shaped by investment, industrial cooperation, innovation and skills development. The programme ahead reflects these shared ambitions. Over the coming days, discussions and engagements will focus on green hydrogen and renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, automotive manufacturing, culture and creative industries, vocational education and training, investment promotion, and industrialisation. These discussions are particularly crucial as Namibia continues to position itself as a key investment destination and a hub for green industries. I must also add that this Forum reflects Namibia’s determination to open new frontiers of growth, move beyond the export of critical raw materials towards value addition, manufacturing, technology transfer and the creation of jobs in different sectors of our economy. Honorable Director General Dr Kaire Mbuende, Her Excellency Jessica Roswall, Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, As we take stock and charter new terrain for the Namibia–European Union partnership, we are reminded of the words of the late President Hage G. Geingob, who stated: “Only when we hold hands as partners will we collectively stand a chance.” These words continue to resonate strongly today. The success of the 2nd Namibia-EU Business Forum will ultimately be measured by the deals we close, the investments we unlock, by the industries we collectively build, the skills we collectively develop, and the opportunities we collectively create now for current and future generations. Yes, Namibia is open for business.

Celebrating the Namibia–EU partnership Yesterday, H.E. Dr Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI joined Europe Day 2026 celebrations in Windhoek, reflecting the enduring partnership between Namibia and the European Union.

On the margins of the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum in Windhoek, Namibia and the European Union held bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing shared priorities. Discussions focused on the implementation of the joint roadmap, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and opportunities to advance green industries in Namibia in support of sustainable industrialisation and value addition.

Concluding the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum As the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum concludes today in Windhoek, Namibia, discussions over the past three days have reflected a growing Namibia–EU partnership focused on industrial transformation, sustainable investment, and long-term economic resilience. From green hydrogen and critical raw materials to trade facilitation, skills development, green industrialisation and investment-ready projects, the Forum brought together policymakers, investors and industry leaders to advance practical cooperation and unlock new opportunities for shared growth.

1/ The stage is set for the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum in Whk under the theme: “Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies.” Govt leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and industry experts are gathering to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between 🇳🇦🇪🇺

Namibia–EU relations: partnership, value addition and a shared future Today, H.E. Dr Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI presented his credentials to António Costa, President of the European Council and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, ahead of the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum scheduled to take place from 11 - 13 May 2026 in Windhoek, Namibia. This comes at a time of growing momentum in Namibia–EU relations, with the European Union remaining one of Namibia’s largest trading and investment partners. Namibia is a partner in the decarbonisation efforts of the EU, and the EU continues to play an important role in supporting Namibia’s ambitions in green industrialisation, sustainable energy, infrastructure development, and value addition. As global attention increasingly turns to green hydrogen and critical raw materials sectors, the Namibia–EU partnership is evolving toward a shared vision for sustainable growth, industrial transformation, and long-term economic resilience.

Deepening Namibia–Belgium relations H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI held consultations with Ambassador Marc Pecsteen, Africa Director and Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation to advance key areas of cooperation between Namibia and Belgium. Ambassador Hengari emphasised strengthening economic ties and expanding institutional collaboration, while also highlighting Namibia’s priorities in agriculture, green industrialisation, trade expansion, value addition, and skills development. The planned opening of a Belgian Embassy in Namibia in 2027 reflects the growing momentum and shared commitment to this partnership. @MIRT_NAMIBIA @BelgiumMFA

4 May - Namibia commemorates Cassinga Day under the theme: "48 Years of Honour and Sacrifice, Inspiring the Future". We Honour and Remember.

A shared path forward 🇳🇦🇪🇺 Join the Namibia–EU Business Forum 2026 (11–13 May, Windhoek) to connect with leaders driving trade, investment & partnerships between Namibia and the EU. Register now: eu-namibiabusinessforum.com.na @MIRT_NAMIBIA @NIPDB

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI delivered keynote remarks at the networking reception on the Namibia–Netherlands green hydrogen partnership, hosted by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in collaboration with the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC) in The Hague. Ambassador Hengari highlighted the progress Namibia has made in creating a conducive policy environment through the 6th National Development Plan for green hydrogen and green industries to thrive. The event brought together government and and the private sector, including partners such as Invest International and Solstice Management, among others to advance the Namibia-Netherlands partnership in green industrialisation, focusing on scaling up investments and financing projects, infrastructure and skills development.

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari visited the Heineken Global R&D Centre in Zoeterwoude, the Netherlands, where he met with Dr. Hubert te Braake, Global Director of the Centre, and Mr. Edwin Moerkerk, General Manager of the Heineken Africa Foundation. Amb. Hengari highlighted Heineken’s important role as an investor and good corporate citizen in Namibia. He encouraged Heineken to continue investing in sports and creative industries. The exchange also explored opportunities to strengthen agricultural value chains in Namibia.