Namibian Ambassador To Belgium (Government of Namibia)

Namibia is a unique country in Africa in terms of political stability and peaceful environment. The country is often described as Africa's optimist. Could you give us your thoughts on the evolution of Namibia in those aspects for the last 10 years?

I do grant the fact that Namibia has a unique historical past, in the sense that we were, after the first World War, colonised by an adjacent power, just on the other side of the Orange river. This was unlike most African colonies who were colonised by distant European powers. Thus, the South African White minority regime, ruled Namibia in defiance of the United Nations, as an integral part of South Africa. This meant that Namibians were subjected to the same exploitative Apartheid system that governed the lives of the majority black South Africans. Furthermore, the protracted liberation struggle, which the people of Namibia went through, has shaped the nature of our society today. In other words, Namibian freedom and independence were born out of a particular bitter struggle. This meant that we had to work harder at deepening all those things, which we hold dear, above all, freedom, peace and a stable society. I must add that since the attainment of freedom and independence in Namibia, we have upheld the objective of our struggle by committing ourselves to the national policy of reconciliation. The Government of an independent Namibia continues to work for unity of all our people, irrespective of race, colour or place of origin. To that end, the Government of Namibia is determined to continue to promote good governance, to uphold justice, the rule of law, and to protect human rights, as provided for under the Namibian constitution.

Let me give a few examples what has been achieved over the last 10 years.

Namibia has been confronted with various challenges, particularly in the social and economic fields. A major achievement was to bring about the unity of a country whose divisions were based on colour; and replace all that with national structures that include our current systems of education and health services for the country. A great deal has been done in trying to redress the inequality of the past. However, Namibia continues to face areas of acute social and economic need. These are poverty reduction, the serious gap that exists between rural and urban areas, regional development, ever increasing demands placed on health services and education, and the fight to combat HIV/AIDS.

Over and above these issues, there is also the question of land reform. I must acknowledge that the pattern of land ownership and access to land, which was inherited from our colonial past history, created fundamental problems for us in Namibia. This is something that the Government of Namibia is committed to finding a lasting solution to, in accordance with the Constitution, with respect for private property rights. The Government of Namibia has embarked on a programme of land reform that includes the Government purchase of land for the settlement of landless people. It is, therefore, our hope and desire that those who wish Namibia well will also share the burden associated with the country's land reform programme.

On the level of governance, President Sam Nujoma, the founding President of Namibia, and the man who has been at the helm of the leadership of SWAPO since its formation in 1960, retired a year ago. He was succeeded by the former Minister of Lands, Rehabilitation and Settelement, His Excellency Mr. Hifikepunye Pohamba. President Pohamba took office after the governing Party, SWAPO, won decisively in Namibia's third free and fair election since independence. In this way, a transition from one leader to another was achieved. Indeed, this was done in a smooth and democratic manner - a development that augurs well for the future of the country.

Namibia has a duty and quota free access to the lucrative US market under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Act has been described one of the most liberal trade initiatives by the US and an important opportunity to foster development in Africa. Furthermore, it is a signatory to the EU-ACP Trade and Development Agreement (Cotonou), giving free access to the European Union for a wide range of manufactured goods, and agricultural products. What are the main exports to these destinations (USA and EU)?

Namibia welcomes and values the two trading arrangements mentioned above. For your information Namibia is the top supplier of hake to the European Union. Outside South Africa, the EU (primarily the UK) is the chief market for Namibian exports.

The main Namibian exports to the EU are: Fish, diamonds, beef and veal, uranium, copper, gold, prepared fish, table grapes, etc. This is done within the context of the ACP-EU Cotonou agreement. Under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) exports are rapidly growing. These include clothes, diamonds, fish products, etc. The Government of Namibia is actively taking advantage of AGOA, which provides preferential access to US markets for a long list of products. Already several manufacturers have invested in assembly facilities, generating thousands of jobs.

SADC, with the support of the EU-SADC Investment Promotion Programme (ESIPP) planned to organise a 3-day investors forum in October 2006 at which about 100 tourism project promoters from Southern African countries will be invited to meet with a similar number of potential investors from the European Union and other countries. What is the purpose of this investors' forum?

I am happy to state that Namibia, as a member of SADC, works closely with ESIPP. The overall objective is 'to increase domestic and foreign investment in the SADC region, leading to economic growth, job creation and strengthening of the private sector, thus contribute to economic integration in the Region and the integration of the SADC Region in the world economy'. Therefore EU-SADC is working in partnership on a number of development projects throughout the SADC region. In this respect, the October Tourism Conference, which is due to take place in Windhoek from 3-6 of October 2006, is being organised within the framework of ESIPP. The main purpose of ESIPP is to organise business-to-business meetings; help SADC member countries to promote partnerships in vital sectors such as building materials, light engineering, tourism, mining, agro industry, etc. Namibia has chosen tourism as an area of concentration this year. Namibia and our partners in this initiative would like to encourage potential investors from Europe and other countries of the world to join us in Windhoek in October. For us in Namibia, we look upon this initiative as a significant vehicle for marketing our country and the rest Southern Africa, as well as using the conference as a forum to promote business opportunities that Namibia in particular, and Southern Africa in general, have to offer to the world. We regard this as a promising event, which is likely to contribute towards showcasing Namibia. We are therefore, along with our SADC colleagues, intending to take full advantage of the opportunity that would be presented by this event and prepare accordingly.

Your personal experiences are also of interest to us. Could you tell us about your career up to your promotion to Namibian Ambassador to Belgium as well as your greatest accomplishment?

Let me say briefly that after many years of campaigning, in 1989, I ended my 27-year exile and returned to take part in the first free and fair elections in Namibia, which led to its independence in 1990. I was on the committee that was responsible for drafting the new constitution of an independent Namibia. In this respect, I served as a Member of Parliament immediately after independence for about two years. Thereafter, I was assigned by the President of Namibia to help set up Namibia's first university, the University of Namibia (UNAM), of which I became Founding Vice-Chancellor in 1992. I played an important role in the transformation of the former Academy, a body that was established by the South African regime in Namibia, into the new national university. In its first year it had 1,000 students and by the time I left my post after over 11 years, the university had gained an international recognition as well as having over 10,000 students. As you know, I am now Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg and the European Communities.

Like most universities in Africa and elsewhere, UNAM has, since its inception, been striving to serve the needs and aspirations of our people through teaching, research and community service. The University saw its role as being that of contributing to the human resource development of the country. We also believe that small universities, like UNAM, can benefit a great deal by working in partnership with sister institutions of higher education in both the South and the North. Significant progress has been achieved in a number of areas in this regard.

My work as an Ambassador is to do my very best to promote the interest of Namibia in the area of my assignment, to raise the profile of our country in international circles, and to communicate the successes and achievements of our young nation, as well as our needs, to the world.

I must say that our Namibian Embassy's work in Brussels is predominantly occupied by EU matters. Dealing with the EU on trade and development matters is becoming an increasingly complex challenge for Namibia. However, we are fortunate to be able to utilise clear guidelines provided within the context of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as well as the framework of the African, Caribbean and Pacific/European Union (ACP/EU) grouping, as provided for by the Cotonou Agreement. Such networking forums help greatly to identify and facilitate common positions for us and for other developing countries in dealing with the EU, in gaining access to European Markets, and ensuring a fair deal for our producers. In this regard, Namibia and the rest of the ACP member countries are looking forward to successful completion of negotiations of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union (EU). However, there is serious concern that such an agreement might fall short of reflecting both the greater coherence and complementarities of trade and development issues.

We would like to promote the investment opportunities of the Republic of Namibia. What would your final message be to our readers concerning these opportunities?

I believe Namibia has all the characteristics of a country that potential investors look for. Since freedom and independence was won in 1990, Namibia has been transformed into a truly democratic country, characterised by regular, free and fair elections, respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Namibian Constitution is hailed as a most advanced document that entrenches fundamental human rights and the protection of the environment. Furthermore, Namibia is blessed with a wide variety of natural resources, such as diamond, copper, uranium, gold, etc. Likewise, the country is a leading producer of agricultural products, such as beef, fish, table grapes, etc.

There are also other favourable factors that should be taken into account, while looking at Namibia as a country of potential investment: These factors are - good and conducive climatical conditions; a hospitable community for anyone who might choose to reside in Namibia; a work force that is increasingly skilled and dependable; few language barriers as many Namibian people understand English, German and Dutch (Afrikaans). Namibia has an advanced system of communication; with mobile telephones readily in use all over the country; and a good transport infrastructure. There is a well-developed medical system and the country has some spectacular attractions ideal for tourism and high quality accommodation. Last but not least, we have not only a beautiful country, but Namibia is also clean and welcoming. Therefore, potential investors, big and small, are welcome to visit the country and avail themselves of the opportunities that Namibia has to offer.