Africa-Press – Namibia.
The Namibian government has instructed several ministries and agencies to begin implementing resolutions adopted at the 45th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held from 6 to 17 August 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
These ministries include International Relations and Trade; Finance; Health and Social Services; Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform; Mines and Energy; Education, Arts and Culture; Information and Communication Technology; and the National Planning Commission.
Delivering a report on Cabinet resolutions yesterday, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, stressed that Namibia remains committed to its regional and international obligations.
“Cabinet took note of the outcome of the SADC summit and directed all relevant ministries to ensure the timely and coordinated implementation of the resolutions in their respective areas of responsibility,” said Theofelus.
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the Antananarivo summit, SADC leaders underscored the urgency of strengthening legal and policy frameworks that facilitate regional integration. Member states were urged to accede to or ratify SADC legal instruments that have already come into force or are at the adoption stages.
The summit also placed strong emphasis on agriculture, food security and climate resilience. Leaders encouraged the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture, irrigation projects, post-harvest efficiency improvements, and initiatives within the regional blue economy.
A specific call was made to intensify investment in combating transboundary animal diseases, especially the foot-and-mouth disease, through enhanced awareness, surveillance, and rapid-response mechanisms.
“Food security and disease control are central to the well-being of our people. Namibia will align national strategies with regional frameworks to ensure agricultural productivity and sustainable farming practices,” Theofelus said.
Cabinet also considered the report of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held from 20–22 August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan.
Theofelus said Namibia, with other African states, reaffirmed its partnership with Japan and the global community on socio-economic development, investment, and trade. Hence Cabinet directed ministries to implement the Yokohama Declaration and seize bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities offered by Japan.
“Japan remains a valued partner for Namibia. The directives of Cabinet are clear: all ministries must maximise the opportunities presented by TICAD-9 to improve the livelihoods of Namibians,” the minister noted.
Strengthening ties with India
Cabinet also reviewed the report on the state visit by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on 9 July 2025. It directed the Ministry of International Relations and Trade to coordinate a reciprocal state visit by President Nangolo Mbumba to India before the end of 2025.
The visit will seek to convene the Namibia- India Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), the 4th Joint Trade Committee, and to establish the Namibia-India Business Forum.
Cabinet further ordered ministries responsible for signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to operationalise agreements with clear timelines and regular progress reports. Pending agreements, particularly in cybersecurity, digital transformation, culture and small-scale development projects, should be expedited.
“The Namibia-India partnership is a gateway for trade, technology transfer and innovation. Our goal is to fast-track cooperation and deliver results that benefit Namibians,” Theofelus said.
On the health front, Cabinet authorised the Ministry of Health and Social Services to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Russia’s Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe.” The agreement focuses on collaboration in sanitary and epidemiological well-being, strengthening Namibia’s ability to detect and respond to public health threats.
Namibia’s INTERPOL Bid
Cabinet also endorsed Namibia’s candidature for the INTERPOL Executive Committee – Presidency. It approved budgetary allocations for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 financial years to support the campaign.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, together with the Ministry of Finance, was directed to mobilise resources, while other ministries and stakeholders were tasked to assist with Namibia’s international lobbying efforts.
“This is not just a campaign for Namibia, but for Africa as a whole. A successful bid will amplify Namibia’s voice in global policing and crime prevention efforts,” Theofelus emphasised.
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