Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Commonwealth countries to uphold unity of purpose in the face of mounting global geopolitical and economic challenges.
Speaking at the opening of the Third Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) and the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit in Windhoek on Wednesday, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged member states to remain steadfast in their shared commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“This meeting reaffirms the Commonwealth’s collective resolve for a just, equitable, resilient and prosperous future,” she said, addressing delegates from 56 member states and representatives of key multilateral institutions including the World Trade Organisation, African Continental Free Trade Area and Southern African Development Community.
The summit comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty, with shifting alliances, climate disruptions and trade tensions reshaping the international order.
Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that the Commonwealth – home to one-third of the world’s population – must lead with foresight and solidarity to ensure no member state is left behind.
Key agenda items at the CTMM include intra-Commonwealth trade expansion, digital transformation and sustainable energy transition – areas that Namibia is prioritising as part of its national development strategy.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the country’s focus on natural resource beneficiation and youth empowerment and reaffirmed Namibia’s readiness to partner with other Commonwealth countries in building resilient supply chains and green infrastructure.
The summit also applauded the appointment of Ghana’s Shirley Botchwey as the new Commonwealth secretary general.
Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the milestone as a sign of Africa’s growing leadership in shaping global trade and investment policy.
The CTMM continues through the week, with trade ministers expected to issue a joint communiqué outlining strategies to boost intra-Commonwealth trade beyond the $2 trillion mark.
The outcomes will feed into preparations for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
JN/APA