Namibia gets N$1b from France: Pohamba

THE government of France has pledged 125 million euros (approximately N$1 billion) for development projects in Namibia, mainly in the education and health sectors.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba disclosed this when he briefed the media on the outcome of the France-Africa Summit in Cannes upon his arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Wednesday. Pohamba was among 30 African heads of state who attended the two-day summit meeting held last week under the theme: ‘Africa and the World Balance’.The newly pledged 125 million euros will run for a period of five years, and among the already existing pledged assistance, 35 million euros is directed towards Namibia’s education sector.”The education is already being attended to, this new pledge will cover other developmental projects,” said Pohamba.Pohamba said the issues discussed at the summit included information communication technology (ICT), the political crises in Sudan as well Africa’s commodities and its place in the world.Consensus was reached that it was high time African countries considered processing their products to add value before exporting them.By so doing, the continent will be able reap more benefits from its abundant natural resources.”It was agreed that it is necessary that we add more value to our raw materials and this is good because it will enhance our economy as a continent at large.This will also address many challenges on the continent such as eradication of poverty, hunger and so on,” Pohamba said.In efforts to find solutions to the burning political crisis in Sudan’s battered Darfur province, French President Jacques Chirac held meetings with the presidents of Sudan and Chad and the Chairman of the African Union, John Kufuor.It was agreed that Kufuor should facilitate the agreed solutions in trying to address the Sudan crisis.Commenting on Chirac’s reaction towards the Sudan crisis, Pohamba said: “I personally feel that this was a good move to try and bring peace in that country.”After the summit, Pohamba resumed his official visit in France on Monday were he held talks with President Chirac.This resulted in an agreement for France to establish a facilitation centre in Windhoek for the two countries’ bilateral activities.During his visit, Pohamba consulted with high-ranking government officials and the French business community.Meanwhile, Namibia signed a memorandum of agreement to join the France Air-ticket Solidarity agreement.The agreement came into effect last year to help developing countries in the fight against HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.The France-Africa summit is held every two years.NampaPohamba was among 30 African heads of state who attended the two-day summit meeting held last week under the theme: ‘Africa and the World Balance’.The newly pledged 125 million euros will run for a period of five years, and among the already existing pledged assistance, 35 million euros is directed towards Namibia’s education sector.”The education is already being attended to, this new pledge will cover other developmental projects,” said Pohamba.Pohamba said the issues discussed at the summit included information communication technology (ICT), the political crises in Sudan as well Africa’s commodities and its place in the world.Consensus was reached that it was high time African countries considered processing their products to add value before exporting them.By so doing, the continent will be able reap more benefits from its abundant natural resources.”It was agreed that it is necessary that we add more value to our raw materials and this is good because it will enhance our economy as a continent at large.This will also address many challenges on the continent such as eradication of poverty, hunger and so on,” Pohamba said.In efforts to find solutions to the burning political crisis in Sudan’s battered Darfur province, French President Jacques Chirac held meetings with the presidents of Sudan and Chad and the Chairman of the African Union, John Kufuor.It was agreed that Kufuor should facilitate the agreed solutions in trying to address the Sudan crisis.Commenting on Chirac’s reaction towards the Sudan crisis, Pohamba said: “I personally feel that this was a good move to try and bring peace in that country.”After the summit, Pohamba resumed his official visit in France on Monday were he held talks with President Chirac.This resulted in an agreement for France to establish a facilitation centre in Windhoek for the two countries’ bilateral activities.During his visit, Pohamba consulted with high-ranking government officials and the French business community.Meanwhile, Namibia signed a memorandum of agreement to join the France Air-ticket Solidarity agreement.The agreement came into effect last year to help developing countries in the fight against HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.The France-Africa summit is held every two years.Nampa