Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to deliver her first address at the 45th SADC Summit in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Sunday. The summit, held under the theme ‘Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC’, will bring together regional leaders to discuss industrial growth, modern farming and clean energy for sustainable development.
So far, the Namibian delegation, headed by the international relations minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has attended a Council of Ministers meeting, bilateral relations with Madagascar’s foreign minister and paid a courtesy visit to the Honorary Council of Namibia in Madagascar, Rivo Andriamanalina, on the sidelines of the SADC summit.
“The theme underscores SADC’s commitment to accelerating industrial development, modernising agriculture, and advancing sustainable energy solutions to enhance the region’s resilience in the face of global challenges,” said press secretary Jonas Mbambo in the media statement.
In the statement, Mbambo indicated that the President will also reaffirm Namibia’s commitment to SADC goals.
“President Nandi-Ndaitwah will deliver her maiden address at the summit as Head of State, reaffirming Namibia’s steadfast commitment to the ideals of regional integration, industrialisation, peace and sustainable and inclusive development,” the media statement stated.
The communication further indicated that “President Nandi-Ndaitwah will underscore Namibia’s continuous readiness to work with fellow member states to advance transformative solutions.”
Leaders are expected to focus on concrete areas that can speed up regional integration and job creation.
“SADC leaders will deliberate on accelerating regional integration through key areas: strengthening industrial capacity and regional value chains, modernising agriculture, and promoting an inclusive energy transition,” the statement noted.
The summit will review progress on the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, the bloc’s roadmap for growth and cooperation.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who leaves for Madagascar on Saturday and returns Monday, will be accompanied by senior government officials.
On the ground
During the bilateral relations meeting with Madagascar’s minister of foreign affairs, Rafaravavitafika Rasata, on the sidelines of the SADC summit for bilateral engagements, the two ministers discussed ways to strengthen relations between Namibia and Madagascar.
Both agreed that political relations are excellent, but said more needs to be done to boost trade and people-to-people connections.
During the courtesy visit to Andriamanalina, the minister explored opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing trade relations between Namibia and Madagascar.
Ashipala-Musavyi underscored the importance of fostering economic partnerships, reaffirming Namibia’s commitment to deepening collaboration in key areas such as trade, investment, and technological exchange.
For his part, Andriamanalina expressed strong support for ongoing initiatives and noted the potential for increased trade cooperation, particularly in agriculture, bio-chemicals, manufacturing, leather craftsmanship, design, arts, and crafts.
Arbiochem Group Madagascar, a leading company rooted in the country’s farming sector, focuses on advancing animal, crop, and human health through innovative nutritional and health solutions. The company also celebrates Madagascar’s cultural heritage through the production of high-quality leather goods incorporating traditional designs and craftsmanship.
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