By Benjamin Wickham
WINDHOEK, November 28 — In his annual End of the Year Press Briefing on Monday, November 27, 2023, His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, outlined the achievements, challenges, and international engagements of the past year. Themed the “YEAR OF REVIVAL,” President Geingob emphasized the importance of collective efforts in steering Namibia towards shared prosperity. The press briefing provided a comprehensive overview of Namibia’s progress in various sectors and its active role in global affairs.
President Geingob began by acknowledging the challenges faced by Namibia in 2023, including the impact of the commodity downturn, severe droughts, and the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Namibia has successfully navigated turbulent times and is now poised to revive its economy and pursue shared prosperity.
Highlighting the essence of collective responsibility, President Geingob reiterated that the success of the country hinges on the active participation of every citizen. While he can envision and guide the direction of prosperity, the actualization of these dreams depends on the unity and commitment of the Namibian people. President Geingob emphasized his role in ensuring unity, peace, and stability to create an environment conducive to development.
President Geingob detailed Namibia’s active participation in international affairs, underscoring the importance of strong multilateral and bilateral relations. Key highlights included participation in the African Union 36th Ordinary Session, consultations on the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and involvement in the AU Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Namibia’s engagement in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and partnerships with nations such as Botswana, South Africa, Finland, Cuba, and the Netherlands were also emphasized. Noteworthy was Namibia’s leadership role in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and the BRICS Plus Dialogues, demonstrating a commitment to shaping global discussions.
President Geingob highlighted the promising economic prospects for Namibia, citing the discovery of oil and the country’s recognition as a model for the Green Energy Transition. The President emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties, exploring trade and investment opportunities, and identifying new areas of cooperation, particularly in the fields of Green Hydrogen and the Oil and Gas sectors.
Namibia, under President Geingob’s leadership, actively participated in global forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and the European Union Inaugural Global Gateway Forum. The President delivered statements on the need to recalibrate Sustainable Development Goals and participated in discussions on crucial issues such as climate change, green hydrogen, and sustainable raw materials.
President Geingob expressed gratitude to development cooperation partners, including the United Nations system, the European Union, and bilateral partners. He acknowledged their contributions to Namibia’s economic transformation and the acceleration of Sustainable Development Goals.
President Hage G. Geingob thanked all Namibians for their resilience, commitment to peace, and unity, emphasizing these as fundamental prerequisites for development. The press briefing underscored Namibia’s position as a resilient and resurgent nation, actively shaping its destiny on the global stage.
