Renthia Kaimbi
Namibia and Nigeria want to create exchange programmes in the creative arts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The initiative will focus on music, film, fashion, and digital media to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural understanding among young people.
This follows a visit by Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa to Lagos, Nigeria, where she met with Lagos deputy governor Karri Obafemi Hamzat and business leaders to discuss trade, investment and youth empowerment.
During the meetings held last week, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors and boost intra-African trade and investment.
Officials from both regions are expected to develop practical plans to advance the collaboration.
To formalise the new partnership, Hamutumwa invited Hamzat to undertake a reciprocal visit to Namibia.
The planned visit aims to turn the agreed ideas into actionable projects and joint learning opportunities.
While in Lagos, Hamutumwa also met with Nigerian philanthropist Tony Elumelu to discuss expanding the reach of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) in Namibia.
The TEF, which supports entrepreneurship across Africa, has already empowered more than 700 Namibians through mentorship, training and seed funding of US$5 000 (about N$85 000) per beneficiary.
Hamutumwa said one of the success stories from the TEF program is NH Manufacturing & Garments Supplier CC, which has grown into a recognised name in Namibia’s retail clothing industry.
Under the new arrangement, the office of the governor in Ohangwena will coordinate the expanded TEF programme locally to ensure transparent and inclusive selection of participants.
The collaboration builds on the progress made in 2025, when three Namibians were selected for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.
Further discussions are expected to strengthen youth-focused exchanges between the two countries.
