Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Former president Nangolo Mbumba has called for stronger ties between Africa and Spain, saying both sides can benefit from closer cooperation in economic development, migration, and security.
Mbumba spoke on Thursday in Madrid at the official launch of the High-Level Advisory Council on the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028.
The council is a platform aimed at strengthening diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations between Spain and African nations.
Mbumba attended the launch as a member of the newly formed council.
“Spain and Africa share a long history dating back centuries. Given its geographical proximity to Africa, it is not surprising that Spain has shown interest in the continent. In modern times, Spain-Africa relations have focused on issues of economic development and trade; migration and security; as well as cultural exchange,” said Mbumba.
He said the creation of the Advisory Council signals a more structured and future-orientated partnership based on mutual respect and shared goals.
“This launch of the High-Level Advisory Council is thus a testimony of a maturing partnership, built on strong historic foundations and primed to enter a new era defined by the pursuit of mutually beneficial development,” he said.
Addressing delegates, Mbumba said Africa is now focused on inclusive economic growth, having moved past its struggle for independence.
“The African Agenda 2063 encapsulates the ambitions of this New Africa, The Africa We Want,” he said. “While we are clear on the path that we need to take to achieve structural transformation and inclusive growth across our entire continent, we are also cognisant of the fact that we cannot attain our goals in isolation.”
He added, “As the African idiom says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ We therefore believe that together, Spain and Africa can go far in achieving the goals and ideals of our respective peoples.”
Mbumba welcomed Spain’s new strategy and said it opens doors for broader collaboration.
“In the context of advancing Spain-Africa relations, the introduction by the Spanish government of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028 is a highly welcomed initiative that will expand the scope of our collaboration by consolidating diplomatic relations, promoting inclusive development, building bridges between societies and promoting inclusion and human rights,” he said.
He also urged the rest of the European Union (EU) to take similar steps.
“We hope the rest of our European Union partners will follow suit and seek to work towards greater and more comprehensive partnerships with Africa at all levels.”
Mbumba said Namibia supports the strategy and is committed to ensuring that Africa’s regional economic communities play a key role in achieving its goals.
“In Namibia and Africa at large, we value our relationship with Spain. The Spain-Africa Strategy 2025–2028 is the ideal platform for us to enhance this relationship, and we wish it a resounding success,” he said.
The launch was hosted by Spain’s ministry of foreign affairs and the EU. The High-Level Advisory Council will serve as a consultative body to guide Spain’s engagement with Africa through 2028.
