Namibia is strengthening its water sector through expanded climate adaptation measures, investment in alternative water sources and improved early-warning systems aimed at reducing vulnerability to drought and extreme weather events, Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani has said.
Zaamwani made the remarks during the signing of the headquarters agreement between Namibia and the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), which will see the organisation establish its Secretariat in Windhoek.
She said Namibia’s approach includes continued investment in groundwater development, desalination and water reuse technologies as part of efforts to diversify water supply sources and reduce reliance on erratic rainfall patterns.
“It is this understanding that has guided Namibia’s sustained engagement in integrated water resources management, climate adaptation, groundwater development, desalination, water reuse, and early-warning systems. It is also what has shaped our strong commitment to transboundary water cooperation, as a country that shares five major river basins with our neighbours across Southern Africa,” Zaamwani said.
The minister said the decision to host the GWPO Secretariat reflects growing international confidence in Namibia’s institutional capacity and Africa’s leadership in addressing water security challenges.
“Against this backdrop, the decision to host the GWPO Secretariat is not incidental. It is a natural extension of Namibia’s long-standing role as a reliable partner in regional and global water cooperation,” she said.
Under the headquarters agreement, Namibia will provide the Secretariat with an enabling operational environment, including office infrastructure, administrative and logistical support, visa and residency facilitation, tax and customs exemptions for official operations, and a stable legal framework aligned with international hosting standards.
Zaamwani said these commitments are intended to ensure that the Secretariat operates with legal personality, privileges, immunities and full operational independence.
“These commitments reflect our understanding that effective global institutions require not only vision, but also predictable and supportive operating conditions,” she said.
The establishment of the Secretariat forms part of a dual-headquarters model, making the GWPO the first intergovernmental organisation dedicated to water to be anchored in the Global South.
This article was first published here in partnership with The Brief