The United Arab Emirates is seeking to expand its investment footprint in Namibia beyond agriculture, with increased focus on mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said.
Speaking at a business forum in Windhoek on Wednesday, Al Zeyoudi said Emirati investments in Namibia currently exceed half a billion dirham, approximately N$2.7 billion, largely concentrated in agriculture, but that the UAE is now looking to broaden its engagement across strategic sectors of the economy.
He said the UAE delegation included representatives from energy and mining companies ready to engage with Namibia, bringing advanced technologies, training and expertise to support sector development and strengthen bilateral partnerships.
“We have a strong team from the mining sector that has been instrumental in expanding mining investments. In addition, we hold investments in oil and gas, with our energy team engaged in both renewable and oil and gas projects, fully integrated into the delegation and ready to engage with Namibia,” Al Zeyoudi said.
He added that the UAE is also interested in concluding agreements on investment protection and double taxation to enhance certainty for investors and encourage private sector participation.
“This is going to send a message to the private sector that the two governments are getting together and that a comfort ecosystem will be provided to businesses and investors,” he said.
Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, said energy, green hydrogen, oil and gas, mining and tourism remain central to Namibia’s development agenda under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“In the energy sector, there are ongoing oil and gas exploration activities both offshore and onshore. Namibia may seek technical partners to ensure its realisation as an oil and gas producing country,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi also highlighted Namibia’s ambitions in renewable energy and green hydrogen development, noting the country’s strong solar and wind resources.
“Namibia is also making strides in green energy, especially in green hydrogen. The country has potential for solar energy development due to its abundant sunshine and wind energy along our coast, especially in the area of Lüderitz,” she said.
She added that mining remains central to Namibia’s exports to the UAE, particularly diamonds and gold, with government encouraging increased downstream value addition.
“We invite the UAE to explore investment in Namibia’s diamond cutting and polishing industry, and to form joint ventures to increase value addition before exports,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
At the business forum, hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Acting Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hauuanga said Namibia continues to position itself as one of Africa’s attractive investment destinations, supported by natural resources and ongoing policy reforms.
“We are interested in working with investors whose values align with our own – to grow our economy while delivering value to our partners,” Hauuanga said.
