Second Namibia–EU Business Forum adds value

The second Namibia–EU Business Forum has reiterated that the partnership between Namibia and the European Union goes beyond traditional trade issues.

A key outcome of the forum was a revised roadmap for the strategic partnership, extended to cover the period 2026 to 2030, which sets out commitments to sustainable industrial development, green growth and inclusive economic transformation.

At its core, the framework focuses on green industrialisation, local value addition, renewable energy, critical raw materials, skills development and investment. The aim is to create jobs, strengthen industrial sectors and unlock long-term economic opportunities.

In particular, the sustainable raw materials and green hydrogen partnership, launched in 2022, is not only being continued but strategically strengthened.

The forum also highlighted a second and increasingly important dimension: the creative economy as a future growth sector.

On the final day of the conference, Namibia’s creative, sports and tourism industries were brought into focus. The ESP Group used the platform to promote the CST Expo (Creative – Sport – Tourism), scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 September at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium. The guiding message was: “Experience Namibia without leaving the CST Expo stand.”

A particular highlight at the forum was the immersive virtual reality experience, allowing visitors to experience some of Namibia’s most breathtaking landscapes – a fusion of tourism, technology and storytelling that positions the creative economy as an innovative medium for expressing national identity.