Namibia’s maiden presentation at the 2021 Virtual UN SDG Investment Fair attracts Investor attention in New York

Represented by Mr. James Mnyupe, Economic Advisor to the President of the Republic of Namibia and the Hydrogen Commissioner, the country has been making the case for investments at the 2021 Virtual SDG Investment Fair on 14 – 15 December in New York.

The SDG Investment Fair, connects investors with sustainable development projects in developing countries. Participating countries use this platform to present their projects as investors scout for lucrative investment opportunities that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Fair draws investors of all sizes seeking investment ready projects across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. In September 2021, the Fair was held virtually with Pakistan, Rwanda, and Dominican Republic showcasing their sustainable development projects in manufacturing, infrastructure, and agri-business.

Namibia took the stage at the December 2021 Fair alongside Ukraine, tapping into virtual spaces for networking, pitches of projects, investor exchanges, knowledge sharing, and informational sessions. It featured: 1) Informational sessions on available resources on SDG investments from within the UN ecosystem; 2) Presentations of investment opportunities in SDG projects in Namibia and Ukraine; 3) Direct interaction between countries and investors.

Prioritizing a portfolio of 5 complementary projects and infrastructure in the Southern Region of Namibia that maximises the opportunity presented by Green Hydrogen and Ammonia for the country, under the Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI), Namibia’s presentation at the Fair featured: 1) H2 Global Project; 2) 3100ha of Green Farms; 3) 220MW Energy Portfolio; 4) Green Sandverhaar Rail; 5) Green Ludertiz Port.

The proposed financing for the projects includes: 1)  A Central Security Deposit; 2) the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF); 3) Sustainable, Green and Social Bonds; and 4) Multi-Listing on various stock exchanges.

H.E. Ambassador Neville Gertze, Permanent Representative of Namibia to the UN in New York expressed that “Like many other countries, Namibia was and remains affected negatively by the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, economic recovery is a priority of the Namibian Government. Our participation in this meeting is thus indeed part of the broader commitment to ensure that the 2030 Agenda is implemented, regardless of the pandemic in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and thereby improving the quality of lives of the Namibian people along with the rest of the world. …The Namibian economy is, among others, primarily supported by the mining, energy, agricultural, fishing and tourism sectors. These sectors offer excellent opportunities worth exploring by both local and foreign investors…I wish to assure all potential investors that Namibia’s investment regulatory environment is favourable to all investors. All investments and related issues are dealt with in accordance with the law. I invite you to visit us and see for yourselves. As you know, seeing is believing. The Permanent Mission of Namibia to the United Nations stands ready to support you in your endeavors, including facilitating meetings if more presentations and or clarifications on the projects will be needed.”  

H.E. Mr. Sen Pang, UN Resident Coordinator in Namibia noted that: “Namibia’s classification as an upper-middle income country, alongside the fiscal pressures exacerbated by COVID-19, pose challenges for the country to mobilize affordable development finance. Yet, this mask the 3 persistent triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality (particularly among women and youth), that are holding back the country’s economic transformation, and are a binding constrain to the achievement of the SDGs, by 2030... The priority for Namibia to crowd-in all sources of development finance, particularly domestic and international private business and finance is not only an imperative, but a necessity…Unlocking the stock and flow of development finance is highly influenced by the enabling environment: The Government, the private sector, and the UN are collaborating towards the achievement of the SDGs…leveraging innovative and blended finance.”

Among investors on Namibia’s panel included 1) Mr. Titus Nampala - Head of Africa Financial Institutions Group & Sovereigns, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB); 2) Ms. Joan Feldbaum Vidra - Managing Director, Sovereign Group, KBRA; 3) Mr. Gligor Tashkovich - Former Minister of Investment, North Macedonia; 4) Mr. Holger Muent - Director, Corporate Debt Portfolio, EBRD.

Diplomatic representation during the presentation included from Armenia, Canada, EU, Germany, India, Indonesia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, USA, the African World Heritage Fund, FAST, Foundation, and GIZ.

The presentation by Mr. Mnyupe is a continuation of collaborative efforts by the Government, private sector, academia, civil society, and the United Nations towards the implementation of Namibia’s winning proposal entitled “Strengthening Namibia’s Financing Architecture for Enhanced Quality & Scale of Financing for SDGs” at the UNSDG Fund Secretariat, and more importantly of the Government-led Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPP II).

Following this maiden presentation, the United Nations System will continue to support the Government of Namibia in mobilizing resources, through technical support, analysis, advisory, facilitating, and convening, towards 2030.

For additional information, contact:

1. Mr. Felix Tughuyendere, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Namibia to the UN in New York (ftughuyendere@yahoo.com)
2. Ms. Cheroline Ripunda, Special Assistant, Office of the President, Government of the Republic of Namibia (ckripunda@gmail.com)
3. Mr. Barry Kolodkin, Interregional Adviser for SDG Investment, UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Financing for Sustainable Development Office (barry.kolodkin@un.org)
4. Ms. Eunice Ajambo, Economist & Development Coordination Officer, UN Namibia (ajambo@un.org)