Namibia seeks deeper trade and city partnerships with Philadelphia

Remarks by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Philadelphia City Hall, 25 September 2025

---

I stand before you today with deep humility and sincere gratitude, representing the people of the Republic of Namibia. It is an honour to address this esteemed chamber and to receive, on behalf of my country, the official honours and citations recognising Namibia’s contributions to international cooperation and diplomacy.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the city council, not only for this generous recognition, but also for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to my delegation and to me in this beautiful city of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is not only a city of immense historical significance to the United States (US), it is a symbol of freedom, resilience, and innovation. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the diverse and dynamic city it is today, Philadelphia reminds us that great things can emerge when vision is met with determination and unity. 

Namibia’s own path to freedom and independence was shaped by these ideals. Our commitment to democracy, rule of law, and global partnership reflects our enduring belief that independence must be matched with interdependence – that the success of nations lies in collaboration, not isolation.

Today, we are proud that Namibia is playing an active role on the world stage, not only as a peaceful and stable democracy in southern Africa, but also as a country committed to the future of multilateralism.

Namibia served as co-facilitator of the United Nations Pact for the Future, alongside the Federal Republic of Germany at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). 

This historic initiative adopted the Summit of the Future at the 79th UNGA, one of the most significant undertakings by the international community in recent years. It aims to strengthen global governance, uphold international law, protect future generations, and reform key multilateral institutions to respond to 21st-century challenges.

Namibia’s leadership role in this process reflects our belief that Namibia has a big responsibility and the capacity to help shape a fairer, more just global order. In co-leading the negotiations, we amplify the voices of the Global South, the voices of youth, and the aspirations of future generations. The Pact for the Future is not simply about policy reform; it is a moral commitment to build a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and grounded in solidarity across borders.

This recognition from the Philadelphia City Council affirms our commitment to that cause. It also reminds us that meaningful change often begins not only in national parliaments or global summits, but in city councils and local governments that serve communities, uphold values, and connect directly with the people.

Indeed, it is through people-to-people and city-to-city connections that we see the most immediate opportunities for partnership between Namibia and Philadelphia.

Namibia recognises the great potential that lies in strengthening maritime connectivity between our two countries, through the Port of Philadelphia and the Port of Walvis Bay. 

The Port of Walvis Bay is one of the most advanced deep-water ports on the African continent and serves as a strategic logistics hub for southern Africa. With modern infrastructure and access to key markets in Southern African Development Community countries, Walvis Bay is a gateway for landlocked nations to global trade routes. 

Likewise, the Port of Philadelphia, with its expanding capacity, strategic location on the US East Coast, and its proximity to major population centres, offers enormous potential as a conduit for transatlantic trade.

By exploring direct maritime routes between our ports, we can unlock trade corridors that reduce transit times, lower shipping costs, and create a more efficient flow of goods between Africa and North America. This vision is not only commercially viable, it is strategically necessary in a world that increasingly values diversified and resilient supply chains.

Furthermore, there is a clear case to be made for the establishment of direct air links between Namibia and the US, with Philadelphia as a potential gateway. 

Namibia’s Hosea Kutako International Airport is a growing regional aviation hub, and establishing direct passenger and cargo routes to a city like Philadelphia would foster greater tourism, facilitate business exchanges, and enhance the movement of high-value goods. We invite stakeholders in the aviation and logistics sectors to consider the commercial and diplomatic benefits of such a direct connection.

I need to highlight the unique opportunity that lies within the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, one of the largest and most sophisticated fresh produce distribution centres in the US. Namibia, with its rich agricultural products with seasonal counterbalance, is well-positioned to become a supplier of specialty and off-season produce to American markets. From table grapes and dates to fish, quality beef and table salt, Namibia’s agricultural exports can find a strategic entry point through Philadelphia’s world-class facilities. We must work together to create trade frameworks, compliance mechanisms, and investment partnerships that make this vision a reality.

These opportunities in ports, in air travel, in agricultural trade are not distant possibilities. They are within reach, and they align with the strategic priorities of both our nations – economic growth, food security, and people-to-people exchange.

Let this occasion, and this recognition by the City Council, mark the beginning of a more structured and dynamic partnership between Namibia and the City of Philadelphia. 

Let us imagine the possibility of student exchanges between our universities, of joint innovation in clean energy and infrastructure, and of cultural diplomacy that brings our communities closer together.

In the spirit of deepening our ties and creating lasting people-centred partnerships, I wish to propose the exploration of a Sister City agreement between Philadelphia and a Namibian city or town. Such a partnership would provide a structured framework for long-term cooperation across areas including education, trade, health, urban development, and cultural exchange. It would allow our municipalities to learn from one another’s experiences, share innovative practices, and promote grassroots diplomacy that connects our citizens directly. 

We invite the city council and relevant stakeholders to work with us in identifying a suitable Namibian counterpart and setting this partnership in motion.

In conclusion, I express once again my heartfelt appreciation for the honour bestowed upon Namibia today. May this moment serve as a bridge connecting the people of our two nations, strengthening economic cooperation, and reaffirming our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and interconnected world.

Let the friendship between Namibia and the great city of Philadelphia continue to flourish for generations to come.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.