Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has welcomed India’s plans to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub and an entrepreneurship development centre in the country, describing the initiatives as key pillars of bilateral cooperation and regional development.
Speaking on Wednesday during official talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on a state visit to Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the proposed pharmaceutical facility – part of India’s Pharmacy of the World initiative – would enhance regional health security and strengthen domestic production capacity in the health sector.
“This initiative would significantly enhance regional health security and aligns with Namibia’s goal of strengthening domestic production capacities in health,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that Namibia is “eager to finalise the outstanding Memoranda of Understanding [with India] in health cooperation.”
She said the proposed entrepreneurship centre would promote skills development and innovation, particularly among youth and women.
The announcements come as Namibia and India celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations, marked by growing trade, investment and technical cooperation.
India is one of Namibia’s largest trading partners, with official figures showing bilateral trade exceeding US$600 million and investments concentrated in mining, pharmaceuticals, and information and communication technologies.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in green hydrogen, clean energy, mining and value addition, agriculture and tourism, noting that the upcoming Namibia–India Joint Trade Committee session would help unlock further potential.
The visit also reaffirmed shared commitments to multilateral reform, including calls for a more representative UN Security Council and support for the Global South’s voice in global governance.
The leaders praised the adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, with Namibia serving as co-facilitator alongside Germany.
India’s support for Namibia’s liberation struggle and the recent translocation of cheetahs to India were cited as enduring symbols of solidarity and South-South cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit – the first by an Indian leader in nearly three decades – underscores a renewed push to deepen strategic ties, with both countries pledging to strengthen people-to-people connections and sustainable development.
JN/APA