WINDHOEK, Nov. 14 — Namibia has made significant strides in environmental sustainability, achieving milestones that position it as a leader in climate action in Africa and on the global stage, an official said Thursday. Namibian Minister of Industrialization and Trade Lucia Iipumbu highlighted this on the occasion of a two-day Namibia-European Union (EU) Trade and Sustainability Conference in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. “Our commitment to sustainability is not just a matter of policy but a reflection of our national ethos to protect our land, our resources, and our people,” she said. The conference, which gathered key industry leaders, government officials, EU representatives, ambassadors, and sustainability experts, among others, aims to advance Namibia‘s journey toward sustainable growth while addressing the latest EU trade regulations, organizers say.
The meeting provided a strategic platform to discuss the implications of three critical EU regulatory frameworks: the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EUCSDDD) for Namibia‘s industries, they say. “The EU’s regulatory frameworks offer significant opportunities for Namibia to strengthen our position in the global economy,” said Iipumbu. The EU’s regulatory frameworks, including the CBAM, EUDR, and EUCSDDD, are driving Namibia toward sustainable practices, she said. The CBAM encourages low carbon emissions, the EUDR protects forests, and the EUCSDDD promotes ethical and transparent supply chains, and these regulations are essential for Namibia to maintain market access to the EU and ensure the sustainability of its industries, Iipumbu noted. Ana Beatriz Martins, the EU ambassador to Namibia, underscored the EU’s commitment to Namibia‘s sustainability ambitions. “The EU is proud to stand with Namibia in its journey towards sustainable development. Through these regulatory frameworks, we aim to foster a global trading environment that prioritizes environmental protection, human rights, and ethical supply chains,” she said. By embracing sustainable practices and aligning with EU regulations, Namibia can strengthen its international trade partnerships, support green economic growth, and safeguard its natural heritage for generations to come, Martins said.
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