European partners continue to back Namibia’s development goals

Elizabeth KheibesWINDHOEKFrance’s extensive investment in global cultural diplomacy, valued at N$13.5 billion this year alone, took centre stage earlier this month during a high-level European engagement with media in Windhoek, where senior representatives from France, Finland and the European Union outlined growing cooperation with Namibia in mining, renewable energy, culture and trade.France’s deputy head of mission, Frank Gruetzmacher, highlighted the scale of Paris’s cultural footprint, noting that the country allocates “one-fifth of the total budget” of its foreign ministry to cultural diplomacy. He made the remarks during a ‘Team Europe’ media engagement.He described the foreign affairs ministry’s allocation of N$13.5 billion as a cornerstone of France’s diplomatic identity around the world.“Cultural diplomacy is global influence and reach”, he said, noting France’s longstanding reputation as a cultural heavyweight through its language, arts, heritage and philosophy.Highlighting French as one of the world’s most influential languages, the official said cultural diplomacy plays a central role in “promoting the French language, artistic exchanges, festivals and educational partnerships.” Institutions such as the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) and Alliance Française help strengthen diplomatic ties, support creative industries and advance universal values, including human rights and democracy, he noted.Mutual bond Finland’s contribution to global mining expertise also featured prominently. Finnish ambassador to Namibia, Katja Kalamäki, underscored the country’s dominance in the critical minerals sector, saying Finland holds “14 out of the 34 minerals that are considered to be critical minerals.”“Within the European Union, Finland is a superpower within the critical raw materials,” Kalamäki said, adding that 90% of Europe’s zinc, chromium, cobalt and uranium production comes from Finland. “We have probably the most advanced responsible mining sector and mineral value chain in Europe, and probably even globally,” the ambassador noted.Citing the “mutual bond of over 150 years” with Namibia, Finland said mining and renewable energy offer strong prospects for continued cooperation. Finnish companies, including Menso, have already established a presence in the country.Finland also praised Namibia’s progress in renewable energy, with the Finnish ambassador emphasising that “Namibia is clearly one of the top destinations for building renewable energy due to your climatic conditions and geographical location.”“I just saw this chart the other day showing that 90% of Namibia’s energy is renewable, which is a very commendable number,” Kalamäki added.Moreover, Finnish companies are ready to support Namibia’s clean-energy ambitions. “Finnish companies are interested in offering their know-how in building big solar production, power generation, and so much more... this could develop value chains and bring jobs to Namibia,” the ambassador said.Equal partnersEU ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, reflected on “35 years of relations” with Namibia, noting a shift from donor-based engagement to a “partnership of equals”.“We are the biggest single market for Namibian goods,” Martins said, highlighting agricultural products such as beef, grapes and blueberries, as well as fishing and minerals. Namibia once again recorded a trade surplus with the EU this year.She also pointed to the strategic partnership on critical raw-material value chains and green hydrogen, established three years ago. This year’s high-level EU visit, which included the Commissioner for International Partnerships and nine members of the European parliament, was described as unprecedented.“They chose to come to Namibia to experience first-hand what this partnership is about,” Martins explained.

European partners continue to back Namibia’s development goals

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-13

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European partners continue to back Namibia’s development goals

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-13

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