The 2026 Namibia-Germany Bilateral Consultations and Development Cooperation commenced on 27 September in Opuwo, bringing together representatives from the governments of Namibia and Germany.
Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua welcomed participants to the meeting, emphasizing the critical need for development cooperation.
According to the National Planning Commission (NPC) of Namibia, participants gathered to take stock of progress in implementing projects supported through the development cooperation partnership. The delegations also focused on identifying new areas of cooperation capable of delivering mutual benefits to both countries.
Muharukua said they need to respond to the growing impact of environmental and climatic challenges while creating opportunities for communities to adapt and benefit from emerging economic opportunities.
“Available data indicates that the Kunene region had approximately 580,000 head of cattle in 2021, but that prolonged drought and livestock losses have significantly reduced the number, with only about 70 000 cattle remaining by 2025.”
He added that for a region like the Kunene, where communities depend heavily on natural resources and where climatic conditions can directly affect livelihoods, climate resilience is not an abstract policy concern. “It is closely connected to the well-being of our people, the sustainability of our communities and the ability of our regions to contribute to national economic development.”
Executive Director at the NPC, I-Ben Nashandi highlighted the need for planning in anticipation of potential climate shocks, including the oscillating El Niño phenomenon.
He further noted that these challenges could undermine development gains achieved through Namibia-Germany cooperation if adequate preparations are not made to address future shocks.
“The experience of recent drought where the Kunene region faced over three years of consecutive droughts, has demonstrated how quickly climatic conditions can affect livelihoods, food security, livestock, water availability and the fiscal pressures faced by the government.”
