Upcoming Namibia–EU Business Forum to spotlight investment and trade opportunities

Staff Reporter THE Second Namibia–European Union (EU) Business Forum is set to take place in Windhoek from 11 to 13 May 2026. The forum will be held under the theme “Towards stronger, greener and more diversified economies: catalysing business and trade opportunities between the EU and Namibia.” It is expected to bring together approximately 400 high-level participants, including government representatives, private sector leaders, investors, development finance institutions and policymakers from both Namibia and the EU. Asser Nashikaku, Acting Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, described the forum as a significant step in strengthening Namibia’s strategic partnership with the European Union, paving the way for more tangible cooperation in trade, investment and industrial development. He noted that a key highlight of the event will be the presentation of 30 bankable Namibian projects to prospective investors, with the aim of closing the gap between identified opportunities and actual investment. “Apart from dialogue, this Business Forum will also be action oriented, aimed at catalysing partnerships, unlocking financing, and accelerating investment. We therefore encourage investors, business leaders, and relevant stakeholders from both Namibia and the European Union to participate in this important platform and tap into these opportunities,” he added. Nashikaku further indicated that the forum will concentrate on five priority sectors: green hydrogen and renewable energy; critical raw materials; agribusiness; cultural and creative industries; and the automotive industry. He emphasised that these sectors are closely aligned with Namibia’s development priorities under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and are essential for driving economic transformation, value addition and job creation. “Namibia’s partnership with the European Union in green hydrogen stands at the forefront of this transformation, positioning Namibia as a future hub for clean energy. In this context, strategic infrastructure such as the Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are poised to play a pivotal role as emerging logistics and industrial hubs. These ports offer Namibia a unique opportunity to enhance trade facilitation, support the development of regional and global value chains, and position the country as a gateway for trade and investment into the Southern African region,” Nashikaku added. He also highlighted that the forum would address cross-cutting areas such as skills development, with masterclasses and seminars designed to enhance private sector capabilities. “It will also reflect our shared commitment to advancing green industrialisation, strengthening resilient value chains, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Moreover, it will serve as a high-level platform to consolidate our diplomatic relations, strengthen trade under the SADC–EU Economic Partnership Agreement and unlock new avenues for investment and private sector collaboration, particularly through the development of regional and global value chains,” Nashikaku added. Photos: Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-Namibia The post Upcoming Namibia–EU Business Forum to spotlight investment and trade opportunities appeared first on Informanté .