Dignitaries and stakeholders pctured during the launch of the South-South Cooperation between Namibi and China, with the facilitation of FAO.

Windhoek, Namibia – The Government of Namibia, in partnership with the People's Republic of China and facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has launched the second phase of the South-South Cooperation (SSC) project named “South-South cooperation (SSC) between the People`s Republic of China and the Republic of Namibia on Agriculture and Fishery Production”. This initiative bolsters Namibia's agriculture, fisheries, and rural livelihoods by delivering essential knowledge, resources, and innovation to local communities.

The launch event, held in Windhoek, was attended by key dignitaries including Ms. Qingyun Diao, FAO Representative in Namibia; delegates from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Namibia; Mr. Anping Ye, FAO Director of the Partnerships and South-South Cooperation Division; Hon. Sylvia Makgone, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR); and Hon. Anna Shiweda, who delivered remarks on behalf of Hon. Carl Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR).

Empowering Agriculture

In her opening remarks, Ms. Qingyun Diao underscored the crucial role of international collaboration in addressing Namibia's agricultural challenges. "The first phase of the South-South Cooperation has yielded remarkable achievements," she stated. "The increases in rice and horticultural production and advancements in veterinary diagnostics demonstrate the project's significant impact on Namibia's agricultural resilience, reassuring us of the project's effectiveness." This emphasis on international collaboration should reassure the audience about the project's effectiveness.

Building on these successes, Ms. Diao highlighted that the second phase will expand into plant health, seed production, poultry farming, vocational education, soil fertility, and fisheries. "This expansion is designed to empower Namibian farmers and fishers by enhancing productivity and resilience," she added.

With funding and technical support from China, the SSC project is strategically aligned with Namibia's agricultural and fisheries sectors. Delivering remarks on behalf of Hon. Carl Schlettwein, Hon. Anna Shiweda emphasized the project's strong alignment with Namibia's agricultural priorities. "This project addresses the pressing needs of our agricultural sector by providing technical assistance in critical areas," she said. "By strengthening these areas, we ensure higher yields and improved food security, instilling confidence in the project's relevance and potential benefits."

She highlighted the project as a model of international cooperation, stating, "This collaboration exemplifies how countries can address global challenges together. It reflects our commitment to building a sustainable and equitable future for Namibia and beyond."

Strengthening Namibia’s fisheries sector

Agriculture and fisheries are central to rural livelihoods in Namibia, and enhancing their resilience is essential for economic stability. Hon. Sylvia Makgone, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, remarked on the importance of Namibia's fisheries in sustaining local communities. "Our fisheries are a critical resource that provides food and income for countless families," she said. "This cooperation with China, facilitated by FAO, will provide the technical expertise and resources needed to make our fishing practices more sustainable and resilient to environmental changes."

The cooperation also extends to rural development, creating opportunities to support local economies and reduce poverty. Hon. Anna Shiweda emphasized the project's role in empowering rural communities. "This partnership will provide resources and training and create resilient communities," she noted. "By investing in agricultural and rural development, we are fostering a better quality of life for our people."

Fostering Partnerships

Representing China's commitment, Shen Jian, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Counselor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, spoke on behalf of Ambassador Zhao Weiping. "Agriculture has always been a priority area for China-Africa cooperation," he stated. "Over the past three years, China has expanded market access for African agricultural products and implemented 47 projects benefiting over one million smallholders in Africa. This is China's concrete action to help African countries with their agricultural development."

Minister Counselor Shen highlighted the strength of the partnership between China and Namibia. "The traditional friendship between China and Namibia has endured over time," he said. "By supporting Namibian agricultural development, China aims to create new highlights in agricultural cooperation, guided by the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods."

Meanwhile, Mr Anping Ye underscored FAO's dedication to working closely with local partners to ensure the project's success. "FAO is committed to building Namibia's capacity to address its unique agricultural challenges," he affirmed. "By supporting everything from crop diversification to sustainable fishing, this cooperation is designed to bring lasting progress that uplifts food security and rural resilience."

Capacity Development

The SSC project will support the Government of Namibia and farmers in strengthening technical capacities across essential areas—plant health, seed production, poultry farming, vocational training, soil fertility, and fisheries. Funded with USD 1.7 million from the FAO-China SSC Strategic Alliance Trust Fund, the project will provide technical assistance over two years. It will involve 11 experts and three technicians from China working in various regions of Namibia, including Tsumis in the Hardap Region, Ongwediva in the Oshana Region, Omahenene in the Omusati Region, Rundu in the Kavango East Region, Windhoek in the Khomas Region, and Keetmanshoop in //Kharas Region.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) and in coordination with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) for fisheries-related activities, the project will operate in the spirit of South-South Cooperation to meet Namibia's unique agricultural and environmental needs.