By Rinelda Mouton
The Namibia–EU Business Forum 2026, a platform aimed at strengthening trade, investment and economic co-operation between Namibia and the European Union was announced recently in Windhoek.
The second Namibia-EU Business Forum is set to take place from 11 to 13 May 2026 in Namibia.
The forum builds on the success of the inaugural EU-Namibia Business Forum, which was hosted in 2023 in Belgium, marking an important milestone in strengthening economic cooperation between Namibia and the European Union.
The forum is co-hosted by the Namibian Government and the European Union Delegation to Namibia, with support from the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), EU Member States and key stakeholders.
Convening over 300 participants, including representatives from the European Union and Namibian private sectors, policymakers, innovators, and financing institutions, the forum will serve as a platform to deepen economic cooperation, unlock investment opportunities, and advance sustainable development between Namibia and the European Union.
Asser Nashikaku, acting executive director at the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said the forum will mark an important milestone in the deepening of Namibia’s strategic partnership with the European Union, moving towards a concrete cooperation in trade & investment as well as industrial development.
“The event 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 said.
Nashikaku said this year, the forum will focus on five strategic sectors, such as green hydrogen and renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, cultural and creative industries and automotive industry.
“These sectors align well with Namibia’s national development priorities under NDP6 and are critical for driving economic transformation, value addition, and employment creation. In particular, 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.”
Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia said they not only live up to the promise from 2023 to hold this edition of the Namibia-EU Business Forum, they want to show that the EU and Namibia are walking a path towards green industrialization together.
“Namibia can count on the European Union to support the land of the brave in fostering economic growth, inclusiveness and resilience for sustainable development, as outlined in the Sixth National Development Plan. As the European Union, we are convinced that our bilateral political willingness combined with European investments will positively contribute to diversifying the Namibian economy, natural resource beneficiation and youth empowerment,” Martins said.
She said the cultural and creative sector deserves particular attention in the context of the forum.
“Namibia is the home country of numerous talented filmmakers, artists and storytellers who have the power to broaden our horizons and strengthen our sense of belonging and community. In recent years, Namibia has captured the attention of the worldwide film industry which became a priority for the Namibian government.”
