Commissioner Síkela and European Parliament DEVE Committee conclude mission to Namibia, reinforcing EU–Namibia partnership for job creation and growth

From 16-19 September, Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela led a mission to Namibia, together with Mr. Barry Andrews, Chair of the European Parliament's Development Committee (DEVE), and eight senior Members of the Committee. The mission marked the 35th anniversary of EU-Namibia relations and showcased progress in areas from trade and investment to green industrialisation and human development, including training and job creation.

The visit highlighted especially the 360-degree Global Gateway approach. It combines investments in infrastructure, regulation, skills development for young people and women and support to civil society. EU investments also lower household and business costs, energy access and sustainable growth. In this way, Namibia's green transition can deliver tangible opportunities for its people, in particular create jobs, provide training and support local SMEs to boost the country's development in new industries like hydrogen and green steel, and unlock its youth potential.

Delegation members took part in the inauguration of the Cleanergy Solutions facility at Walvis Bay, visited the HyIron green iron plant, engaged with vocational training initiatives, and held discussions with civil society and private sector actors.

Commissioner Síkela for International Partnerships and the European Parliament DEVE delegation were received by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, as well as other high-level ministers and parliamentarians. Talks centred on advancing the EU-Namibia Strategic Partnership on green hydrogen and critical raw materials, while ensuring shared human development priorities including health, education, and youth employment, are addressed.

Commissioner Jozef Síkela commented: "This mission was a perfect showcase of our 360-degree Global Gateway approach. In Namibia, we are not only building innovative infrastructure for the hydrogen industry and modernising ports but also investing in education and training so that young Namibians gain the skills that match future opportunities. This combination unlocks private investment, creates quality jobs, and strengthens the EU-Namibia Strategic Partnership."

Chair of European Parliament DEVE Committee Barry Andrews added: "EU engagement in Namibia is about supporting the country's ambitions for sustainable development and adds local value, in line with Namibia's national development plan and founded the principle that no Namibian is left behind. As the Committee on Development, we take very seriously the idea that the impact of our cooperation also reaches those on the edge of society, those in poverty, and the unemployed."

Background

In Namibia, the EU has mobilised a comprehensive package of € 1.3 billion (NAD 25 billion) in loans and grants, spurring over € 20 billion (NAD 400 billion) in potential private investments in Namibia's green industrialisation, from pioneering green hydrogen and critical raw materials projects to critical infrastructure, skills development, and regulation.

Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment gap and boost smart, clean and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education and research systems.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States, and European development finance institutions. The aim is to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating reliable and sustainable links and supporting green and digital transitions in partner countries.