Embassy of Namibia - Belgium

The official page of the Embassy of the Republic of Namibia to Belgium, the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Mission to the European Union.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI had the pleasure of welcoming H.E. Dr. Carolina OLARTE-BÁCARES, Ambassador of Colombia to the Netherlands and The Hague-based Institutions, to the Embassy of Namibia for a courtesy visit. Amb. OLARTE-BÁCARES shared her vision for the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a candidate for the position of Judge of the ICC for the year 2027–2036.

Amb. HENGARI appreciated the opportunity to exchange views on matters of international justice and cooperation and wish her every success in her candidacy.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

Africa–Europe Relations: The African Group in Brussels, held a fruitful exchange with H.E. Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Policy, on key matters shaping the Africa-Europe partnership, including investment cooperation, restrictive trade practices, migration, multilateralism and security.

During the engagement, H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI emphasized the importance of a strong, enduring Africa-Europe partnership grounded in equality, with adequate time and resources dedicated to meaningful dialogue and mutually beneficial engagement. @eucommission

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

On 3 June 2026, H.E. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI met with Mr. Richard GUEZ of Deep Atmos to discuss bush encroachment and carbon sequestration in Namibia. Discussions centered on bush encroachment and its growing impact on ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and climate. Ambassador HENGARI welcomed the initiative and potential pilot area for de-bushing interventions, reflecting a shared interest in targeted, practical solutions on the ground.

The meeting also highlighted the broader biosecurity implications of bush encroachment, including its potential to increase disease risks affecting livestock systems, underscoring the importance of integrated environmental and agricultural action moving forward.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

Today, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI held constructive discussions with Rear Admiral (Ret) Jan de Beurme, Chief of Staff of CMB-Tech to review progress across their ongoing operations in Namibia. The meeting placed emphasis on CMB Tech’s expanding footprint in the country, including its role in advancing sustainable energy solutions, supporting the development of green ammonia, hydrogen-based mobility and rail innovation.

Ambassador Hengari commended CMB-Tech for its commitment to invest in Namibia’s green industries. He further underscored the importance of strengthening Namibia’s industrial base, support for skills development and agricultural projects as CMB Tech continues to deepen its investments in Namibia for a win-win partnership.

[Namibian Presidency @NamPresidency]

Message by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia on the Occasion of Genocide Remembrance Day 28 May 2026

As Namibians commemorate Genocide Remembrance Day today, we pause to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history and honour the memory of the thousands of innocent Ovaherero and Nama lives lost during the 1904–1908 Genocide.
We also honour the courage and resistance of those who stood against colonial oppression and injustice at a time when the survival and dignity of our people were under attack.

The events of that period were not isolated from the broader story of our nation. They formed part of the foundation upon which the spirit of resistance and national consciousness was built, ultimately inspiring future generations in the long struggle for freedom and independence.

Genocide Remembrance Day is therefore not only important for the affected Ovaherero and Nama communities, but for all Namibians. It is a national day of remembrance, reflection, and learning, particularly for the younger generation, who must continue to understand the painful history that shaped our country and the sacrifices that were made for the Namibia we know today.

Above all, this day should serve as a moment for us as Namibians to set aside our differences and pay homage to those who suffered and perished during this painful period of our history. Their sacrifice and resistance became part of the foundation upon which our nation was built. As such, this occasion must continue to unite us around our shared history, shared humanity, and shared responsibility to preserve the truth of what transpired.

As communities across various regions host commemorative events and activities, I encourage Namibians to participate in these engagements in a spirit of respect, unity, reflection, and national solidarity. While we remain cognizant of the sensitivity surrounding this painful chapter in our history, we must also recognize that every Namibian has the right to honour and pay tribute to those who perished during the Genocide. Their memory and sacrifice form part of our collective national heritage and consciousness.

The pain and impact of the Genocide continue to be felt generations later. As a nation, we therefore remain committed to ensuring that the atrocities committed against the Ovaherero and Nama people receive the same recognition, historical acknowledgement, and moral attention accorded to genocides and crimes against humanity committed elsewhere in the world. In doing so, we reaffirm the importance of historical truth, justice, healing, and reparations as part of the broader process of reconciliation and closure.

Hence, our Government, together with the affected communities, will continue to engage the Federal Republic of Germany until the matter of the Genocide, apology, and reparations is brought to a just and meaningful conclusion.

As a nation, we must continue to protect and preserve our history. We must tell our own stories, document our experiences, and ensure that future generations never lose sight of the suffering, resilience, and sacrifice of those who came before us.
May Genocide Remembrance Day continue to strengthen our collective commitment to peace, unity, human dignity, and nation-building.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

Celebrating Africa Day 2026

Namibia joined fellow African Embassies, members of the African diaspora, and friends of the continent in Brussels to celebrate Africa Day 2026 under the spirit of African unity, culture, and cooperation.

The day began with a seminar reflecting on the African Union’s 2026 theme focused on sustainable access to water and safe sanitation systems in support of Agenda 2063, bringing together diplomats, experts, and stakeholders for meaningful dialogue on Africa’s shared development priorities.

The evening celebration showcased the richness and diversity of African culture through music, traditional attire, and the aromas of dishes from across the continent. Namibia proudly shared a taste of home with biltong, Namibian beer, locally crafted leather products from Shilongo Leather Works Namibia and Namibian gin, reflecting the country’s heritage, excellence and cultural identity.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

Water Diplomacy for Effective Continental Water Systems: In celebration of 25 May, Africa Day, H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI joined the Group of African Ambassadors in Brussels (GAAB) in a seminar on the Umoja wa Afrika (African Union) theme for the year 2026, “Ensuring sustainable availability to water and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063”.

As a water stressed country, H.E. Dr. HENGARI reinforced Namibia’s water diplomacy and water policies that emphasize extending potable water access to rural communities, wastewater reclamation, the drilling of boreholes, building new desalination plants for water intensive sectors, harvesting rainwater, community empowerment in water conservation and transboundary cooperation.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

Green Industries Diplomacy: Today, the Director General of the National Planning Commission, Hon. Kaire Mbuende, and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI concluded site visits to Enertrag energy facilities in Dauerthal and Ostweddingen, eastern Germany.
The transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation demands innovative solutions for energy production. With its exceptional solar and wind resources, Namibia is well positioned to lead in green hydrogen and green ammonia technologies.
Our engagements with business leaders and senior executives from Enertrag and Hyphen reaffirmed one key message: Namibia is an ideal destination for large scale renewable energy projects. We are moving from ambition to implementation.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

On the final day of the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, Netherlands, The Director General of the National Planning Commission, Amb. Dr. Kaire Mbuende, reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to green hydrogen as a key pillar of the country’s development agenda and a new frontier for economic growth.

Speaking during the Spotlight Session: Namibia Hydrogen Developments, Ambassador Mbuende highlighted Namibia’s ambition to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030, strengthen domestic productive capacity, and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts. He further reaffirmed that Namibia is ready for strategic partnerships in the production of green molecules and positioning the country as a future hub for low-carbon industry in Southern Africa.

Ambassador Mbuende also toured the exhibition hall, accompanied by H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari, where they engaged with exhibitors and stakeholders showcasing the latest developments and innovations in the global hydrogen sector.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

Day 2 of the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition saw the Namibian delegation engage in strategic meetings, investor discussions, and conversations on financing opportunities for green hydrogen projects, with the highlight of the day being the visit to the Port of Rotterdam.

The visit provided valuable insight into the infrastructure and logistics supporting the production, storage, and transportation of green energy products, including ammonia, iron, and other hydrogen derivatives.

Namibia remains committed to advancing its Green Hydrogen Initiative through continued collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and the private sector.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI joined Amb.Dr. Kaire MBUENDE, Director General of the National Planning Commission at the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam (19-21 May 2026), where they will be engaging in strategic discussions and highlighting Namibia’s progress in the green hydrogen sector.

Namibia’s participation at the summit reflects the country’s commitment to advancing green hydrogen as one of the key driver of economic growth, skills development, and job creation, while strengthening global partnerships and investment opportunities.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

🇳🇦🇪🇺 Recap: 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum, 11–13 May 2026

The 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum, held in Windhoek from 11–13 May 2026, brought together more than 400 participants for three days of high-level dialogue and engagement under the theme “Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies.”

Discussions focused on critical raw materials, renewable hydrogen, creative industries, agribusiness, automotive, and logistics, reinforcing shared priorities for sustainable industrial development, trade, and investment cooperation.

A key milestone of the Forum was the signing and renewal of the Namibia-EU Roadmap, alongside commitments to deepen cooperation in green industrialisation, value addition, and strategic sectors driving long-term economic transformation and partnership.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI joined Nina Katangana on the Daily Roundup to reflect on the achievements of the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum.

The Forum brought together over 400 participants for three days of intensive discussions focused on critical raw materials, renewable hydrogen, creative industries, agribusiness, the automotive sector, and logistics.

H.E Dr: HENGARI highlighted the growing Namibia–EU partnership as a catalyst for industrial development, investment, and job creation, supporting more than 40,000 jobs in Namibia and thousands more across Europe.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

On the margins of the 2nd Namibia-EU Business Forum, H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI visited Antwerp-based diamond cutting and polishing companies with operations in Namibia.

The visit highlighted the importance of value addition within Namibia’s diamond sector and strengthening partnerships that promote industrial growth, skills transfer, and sustainable economic development.

H.E Dr. HENGARI emphasized the need for deeper collaboration between Namibia and European partners to ensure that Namibia continues to benefit from local beneficiation and increased participation across the diamond value chain.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

The renewal of the EU Roadmap marks a new chapter in the Namibia–EU partnership 🇳🇦🇪🇺

Following the successful conclusion of the 2nd Namibia-EU Business Forum in Windhoek, the renewed commitment reflects growing confidence in Namibia as a hub for green industrialisation, sustainable investment, and trade.

Over three days of dialogue, collaboration, and engagement, the forum highlighted opportunities across renewable hydrogen, critical raw materials, agribusiness, automotive manufacturing, and the creative industries reinforcing a shared vision for stronger, greener, and more diversified economies.

Together, Namibia and the EU continue to build partnerships that drive innovation, create jobs, and unlock long-term prosperity.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

VOTE OF THANKS BY H.E. DR. ALFREDO TJIURIMO HENGARI ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2ND NAMIBIA–EU BUSINESS FORUM WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, 11 – 13 MAY 2026

Saint Ambrose of Milan, who lived many years ago would remind us: “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” It is why I am delighted to have been given the brief, but pleasant duty of delivering the vote of thanks this morning. On behalf of everyone in this room, I would like to thank Ambassador Kaire Mbuende for delivering on behalf of Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a truly inspirational keynote address on this occassion of the opening of the 2nd Namibia-EU Business Forum, convening under the theme: “Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies.” The tireless leadership, exceptional dedication, and vision of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah over the past year has set a benchmark of excellence and we look forward to her continued guidance. President Nandi-Ndaitwah is leading by example and we are honored to have her at the helm of our Republic.

I also wish to express sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Commissioner Jessika Roswall for her presence and for reaffirming the importance of the Namibia–European Union partnership. In the same vein, I extend gratitude to H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins and the European Union for their continued cooperation and support. This opening ceremony, which sets the scene for the Forum is the culmination of hard work, at times difficult, but overall excellent coordination between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the European Union. As the focal points, the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Honorable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi and Ambassador Kaire Mbuende provided oustanding leadership, from conceptualisation to realisation of this Forum, alongside Executive Director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, the Acting CEO Ms Hauwanga of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and staff members in different Government Ministries, and of course our European Union counterparts.

This Forum reflects the growing strength and neccessity of the Namibia–EU partnership. From engagements at COP27 in Egypt, to the first EU-Namibia Business Forum held in Brussels in October 2023, and now to this second Forum here in Windhoek, we have witnessed the steady growth in our cooperation. Crucially, our partnership is increasingly being shaped by investment, industrial cooperation, innovation and skills development. The programme ahead reflects these shared ambitions. Over the coming days, discussions and engagements will focus on green hydrogen and renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, automotive manufacturing, culture and creative industries, vocational education and training, investment promotion, and industrialisation.

These discussions are particularly crucial as Namibia continues to position itself as a key investment destination and a hub for green industries. I must also add that this Forum reflects Namibia’s determination to open new frontiers of growth, move beyond the export of critical raw materials towards value addition, manufacturing, technology transfer and the creation of jobs in different sectors of our economy.

Honorable Director General Dr Kaire Mbuende, Her Excellency Jessica Roswall, Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we take stock and charter new terrain for the Namibia–European Union partnership, we are reminded of the words of the late President Hage G. Geingob, who stated: “Only when we hold hands as partners will we collectively stand a chance.” These words continue to resonate strongly today. The success of the 2nd Namibia-EU Business Forum will ultimately be measured by the deals we close, the investments we unlock, by the industries we collectively build, the skills we collectively develop, and the opportunities we collectively create now for current and future generations. Yes, Namibia is open for business.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

Celebrating the Namibia–EU partnership

Yesterday, H.E. Dr Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI joined Europe Day 2026 celebrations in Windhoek, reflecting the enduring partnership between Namibia and the European Union.

[Embassy of Namibia - Belgium @NamibiaEmbBE]

On the margins of the 2nd Namibia–EU Business Forum in Windhoek, Namibia and the European Union held bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing shared priorities.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the joint roadmap, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and opportunities to advance green industries in Namibia in support of sustainable industrialisation and value addition.