Namibia Presents Kunene Water Project to Global Investors

Namibia has presented its Kunene water project and desalination initiatives to global investors at the UN General Assembly, with Agriculture, Water and Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani reporting positive interest from potential partners.

Namibia’s push to secure funding for its Kunene water project and seawater desalination efforts gained momentum during the UN General Assembly in New York, where Agriculture, Water and Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani engaged with international investors. The minister highlighted that some partners expressed interest in continuing discussions after the event, though concrete financing agreements remain pending. Some partners came to me afterwards and said they would like to continue the conversation, Zaamwani said, emphasizing the need to translate this interest into actionable funding.

Kunene Project and Desalination Focus

The Kunene water project, a key initiative to address regional water scarcity, was a central topic during Zaamwani’s engagements. The minister stated that the project still needs funding to happen, underscoring the urgency of attracting private and institutional investors. Alongside the Kunene project, Namibia is also seeking investment in desalination technologies to augment water availability. We want to promote water infrastructure investment, Zaamwani said, linking the efforts to broader goals of climate resilience and sustainable development.

Namibia Presents Kunene Water Project to Global Investors

The discussions formed part of a high-level panel on water investment co-hosted by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration. Zaamwani noted that the event aimed to create funding opportunities for water infrastructure, particularly in an arid environment where water security is critical. A follow-up report from the investment event is being finalized to track pledges and interest, with the minister stressing the need to move beyond initial conversations to formal financing agreements.

Global Water Partnership and Diplomatic Strategy

Namibia’s water diplomacy has been bolstered by its role in hosting the Global Water Partnership headquarters, which the minister described as an opportunity to position the country as a capital. When you speak water investment, water development, water technology, then you think Namibia, Zaamwani said. The partnership, with over 3,000 members worldwide, includes governments, donors, and other partners, aligning with Namibia’s strategy to use its leadership in water innovation.

Next Steps and Investment Pipeline

The AIP’s progress was reviewed at the 2025 Cape Town Summit, where an estimated US$10–12 billion in potential water investments was identified. Namibia’s leadership in the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa, alongside Senegal, has been critical in advancing this agenda. The minister emphasized the need for political and financial alignment to bridge the gap between project readiness and funding.

With the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi approaching, Namibia’s efforts to position itself as a water investment hub are expected to intensify. The country’s strategic focus on innovation, collaboration, and regional leadership aims to transform water scarcity into a catalyst for economic and diplomatic growth. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained engagement with global partners and the ability to translate momentum into concrete financial commitments.

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