Justicia Shipena
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for the establishment of a sister city agreement between Philadelphia and a Namibian city or town to strengthen cooperation in education, trade, health, urban development, and cultural exchange.
She made the call at Philadelphia City Hall on Thursday, where she was honoured citations from the City Council.
“It would allow our municipalities to learn from one another’s experiences, share innovative practices, and promote grassroots diplomacy that connects our citizens directly,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted opportunities for cooperation through maritime connectivity between the ports of Philadelphia and Walvis Bay, direct air links between the U.S. and Namibia, and trade in agricultural products such as grapes, dates, beef, fish, and salt.
She said Philadelphia’s wholesale produce market could serve as a gateway for Namibian exports.
“Let this occasion 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, of joint innovation in clean energy and infrastructure, and of cultural diplomacy that brings our communities closer together,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Philadelphia on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).
A delegation of Namibian business leaders accompanied her, and Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker welcomed her.
Her first engagement was at the Philadelphia International Produce Marketplace, where she toured port operations and discussed trade opportunities with local business leaders.
“From what I have seen here, there is much for us to learn, especially in how you organise your farmers. Our business community is eager to understand this process as we aim to expand agricultural production in Namibia. This visit represents an important exchange of knowledge. Through our mission, we will continue to engage and seek ways to deepen our cooperation,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She later engaged with students and faculty at the University of Pennsylvania under the theme, “Democracy, Gender Equality, and Leadership in Africa: Namibia’s Vision for Inclusive and Transformational Development.”
She said Namibia remains a stable democracy anchored in the rule of law, peace, and independent institutions.
She invited American universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, to partner with Namibia in higher education, research, energy, mineral beneficiation, health innovation, creative industries, and sustainable development.
“We invite you to engage with Namibian universities, youth innovators, and research institutions to co-create solutions that benefit both our nations,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also met with the Namibian community in the United States, urging them to uphold the values of resilience, hard work, and integrity.
“Your actions, wherever you are, reflect on Namibia. Conduct yourselves as true ambassadors of your homeland,” she said.
She encouraged Namibians abroad to contribute to the country’s socio-economic growth in priority areas such as agriculture, education, sports, health, housing, renewable energy, tourism, water, fisheries, and the creative industries.
She called on them to use their global experiences to bring knowledge and innovation back home.
During the dialogue, members of the diaspora presented projects in fields such as clothing production, engineering, and other sectors.
Others shared suggestions on issues like mental health support, and several participants pledged to explore ways of contributing to Namibia’s growth.
The president also attended a reception hosted by businessman Frank Giordano, Honorary Consul of Malta for Pennsylvania, where she engaged with U.S. leaders, including the governors of Pennsylvania and Delaware, as well as diplomats, financiers, and business executives.
