Niël Terblancé
Prime minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare has officially accepted a donation of 2 000 tonnes of grain from India to support Namibia’s drought relief efforts. The delayed handover ceremony took place in Windhoek.
India donated 1 000 tonnes of yellow maize and 1 000 tonnes of rice last year in response to Namibia’s call for assistance during one of the worst droughts recently.
“This generous donation in a time of need is a true reflection of solidarity and a demonstration of the long-standing good relationship between Namibia and India,” said Ngurare.
The 2024/25 Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment showed that 1.26 million people, about 41% of Namibia’s population, are facing food insecurity.
On 1 July 2024, the government launched a nationwide drought relief programme following president Nangolo Mbumba’s declaration of a state of emergency.
The programme provides food assistance, seed and livestock support, and water to affected areas.
Ngurare said the donation from India will help to fill a funding gap in the relief programme, which requires an extra N$600 million to operate until June 2025.
“The donation of 2 000 tonnes of food aid went a long way in augmenting the government’s efforts to alleviate the negative impacts brought about by the drought situation on the communities,” he said.
Ngurare confirmed Namibia’s intention to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an initiative by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said the move would help Namibia access global expertise to reduce disaster and climate risk.
Indian high commissioner Rahul Shrivastava said the donation was part of India’s ongoing support to Namibia.
“The donation of rice and maize is not merely a transfer of resources; it is a symbol of our enduring friendship,” he said.
Shrivastava said food security is a basic human right and hoped the grain would ease the burden on vulnerable households.
He affirmed India’s commitment to helping Namibia achieve its development and poverty reduction goals.
“India and Namibia share a history of close cooperation and mutual respect. In the face of adversity, we have stood shoulder to shoulder, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of our people,” Shrivastava said.
He encouraged further cooperation, especially in agriculture.
“It is through such collaborations that we can build a sustainable future, one where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn and prosper,” he said.
Both Ngurare and Shrivastava expressed a shared interest in maintaining and deepening bilateral cooperation.
“We look forward to future collaborations in our endeavour to build resilient and sustainable programmes addressing disaster risks,” said Ngurare.
