Namibia seeks German to help with water, health systems

Namibia is turning to international partnerships to address mounting pressure on its water and public health systems, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare highlighting Germany as a key strategic ally during high-level talks last week.

The Prime Minister's Office last week said Ngurare met with Namibia’s Honorary Consul in the Free State of Bavaria, Prof. Max Schlereth, during his inaugural visit to the country since his appointment last year.

While the meeting reaffirmed long-standing diplomatic ties between Namibia and Germany, it also revealed a growing urgency within the government to secure external support for critical service delivery challenges.

At the centre of discussions were Namibia’s pressing needs in public health, water infrastructure, and skills development, sectors that have come under increasing strain in recent months.

The Prime Minister pointed to the need for targeted partnerships to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to essential services, and fast-track development projects.

Among the key proposals raised were the establishment of a National Data Centre and the development of small-scale inland desalination plants aimed at improving water supply in rural and drought-prone areas.

These proposals come at a time when communities across the country continue to face water shortages, while public hospitals grapple with capacity constraints and supply issues.

Knowledge transfer

Ngurare also emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), identifying it as a critical tool for equipping young Namibians with practical skills while enabling knowledge transfer through international cooperation.

In addition to water and health, Namibia is seeking to deepen collaboration with Germany in renewable energy, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, ICT, and public service strengthening, sectors seen as vital to economic growth and long-term sustainability.

Schlereth, who recently donated 150 beds and 300 mattresses to schools in the Omusati and Ohangwena regions in his personal capacity, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties between the two regions.

“I am your man in Bavaria,” he said, pledging to act as a bridge between Namibian and Bavarian stakeholders, particularly in fostering investment and institutional partnerships.

Ngurare welcomed the gesture and called on the Honorary Consul to play a proactive role in connecting businesses, institutions, and government entities, while working closely with Namibia’s Embassy in Berlin to unlock new opportunities.

The meeting signals a broader shift toward leveraging diplomatic relationships to address domestic challenges, as the government looks beyond its borders for expertise, funding, and technical support.

However, the move also underscores the scale of the challenges at home, with growing calls for urgent intervention in basic service delivery, particularly in water access and healthcare, where communities continue to feel the strain.