06 June 2022, Windhoek, Namibia
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I accepted an invitation forwarded to the Presidency from the Forum, to showcase Namibia’s innovative approach on its attempt to kick-start Namibia’s economic recovery by using its renewable energy potential to contribute to a global just energy transition. While there, the delegation made the most of the global platform to showcase our Country’s attractive investment destination and its peaceful and orderly environment.
My own agenda was full and started with a welcoming dinner on the evening of Monday the 23rd of May, which was attended by various Heads of State.
Tuesday kicked off with a session focusing on promoting intercontinental trade which was attended by Presidents from Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Malawi and also attended by the Vice President of Tanzania and the Prime Minister of Ivory Coast. This was followed by Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Session at the Namibia House which was fully booked, while many walking in and sitting on the stair cases and over 400 people online.
I had 3 other bilateral meetings that day including one with the German Vice Chancellor, who visited the Namibian House and elaborated on his plans to help Namibia achieve its plans to become energy self-sufficient by 2030.
Wednesday was busy for me with 4 events at the World Economic Forum Congress Center, which culminated with a session which was live-streamed on CNBC’s global network which focused on Clean Energy Superpowers, hinting at the potential of the plans Namibia has for its economy. The session was attended by Spain’s Deputy Prime Ministers and two CEO’s from leading renewable energy Companies.
My official engagement concluded with a working breakfast on Thursday morning at the Namibian House, where the NIPDB hosted a session focusing on economic opportunities awaiting Namibians given the Government’s synthetic fuels ambitions.
The diaries of the other Namibian delegation members were equally full and the various officials will delve into those details as they account during their own deliveries. In summary, Namibia has an unprecedented opportunity to convert relevant policy into significant investments and associated industrialization opportunities that will transform our economy and those of our neighbors.
A well-organized Namibia House was a good example of what a united Namibian people could achieve when we jointly hold hands and put shoulder to boulder to push for one agenda. Private sector contributed to the realization of the Namibian House, both in the form of monetary contributions and in terms of content.
Government and private sector stayed at one place to save costs and streamline logistical arrangements, but ultimately this was a master stroke in building camaraderie amongst Namibians from all walks of life.
I would like to thank Bank Windhoek, First Rand Group, Olthaver and Liste Group, Otesa and Jabu for their contributions throughout the visit. I have been informed that some of them walked away with new leads and opportunities to deploy more capital in Namibia to engender prosperity for Namibians.
I would like those who are gathered here from the private sector to provide an account of their experience and contribution during their visit to Davos after the updates from the Government officials.
Now it is time to act and deliver!
We share a common enemy - poverty and hunger, not each other. Let us unite against this enemy and attack it with all of our might and resources at our disposal.
The government will execute with urgency and work closely with the private sector and mobilize as one people and one nation. I have directed my staff to work closely with the media houses to ensure that all corners of the country are well informed of the opportunities abound.
Similarly, I have requested Ministers and relevant officials to tour the country and update the population of the plans and opportunities that we are unlocking as a one Nation, for the prosperity we envision has to be a shared one.
If we march as one - victory is assured!
Now Ministers, please pick up where I left off, account to the Namibian people on your activities in Davos.
I thank you.