Martin Endjala
The European Union (EU) has expressed its satisfaction with Namibia’s decision to sign the New Partnership Agreement (NPA) between the EU and the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), also known as the “Samoa Agreement,” which was signed on 18 December 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.
The EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, stated that the Samoa Agreement establishes a solid foundation and continuity for the longstanding partnership between the two parties.
“We are delighted to see Namibia joining the extensive and diverse group of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States in a new partnership with the European Union and EU Member States. We are eager to enhance our cooperation in areas of common interest, ranging from the global fight against climate change and political and security issues to the promotion of inclusive green growth,” she said.
Martins emphasized their commitment to focusing on the implementation of the EU-Namibia Strategic Partnership on Green Hydrogen and Critical Raw Materials value chains through the Global Gateway Instrument and Team Europe Initiative to create more jobs and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the EU-OACPS agreement, signed in Samoa on 15 November 2023, succeeds the Cotonou Agreement of 2000-2023.
Martins reiterated that it is the most extensive and comprehensive partnership agreement globally, bringing together states from four continents—the EU, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific States—to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation on shared priorities and interests in multilateral and regional issues.
During the EU-Namibia business forum held in October 2023 in Brussels, Belgium, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU would invest N$20 billion in Namibia’s green hydrogen and raw materials sector.
This accentuates the significance of the NPA agreement and highlights Namibia’s potential to become a global leader in clean energy.
Such partnerships can facilitate both the decarbonization of the economy and the creation of jobs.
President Hage Geingob, speaking during the business forum in Brussels, described the partnership as one that would propel Namibia’s renewable energy resources, serving as the foundation for establishing a sustainable and influential green industrial sector.
