Namibia’s Prime Minister Calls for Stronger Blue Economy Partnerships at TICAD9 Side Event

Namibia’s Prime Minister Calls for Stronger Blue Economy Partnerships at TICAD9 Side Event. Namibia’s Prime Minister, Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, joined global leaders in Yokohama, Japan, on 20 August 2025 for a High-Level Thematic Side Event on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

The session, organized by the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (OPRI-SPF) in collaboration with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), explored the theme: “Building Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Food Systems and Local Economies in Africa Anchored in Sustainable Blue Economies and Agriculture.”

In his address, Dr. Ngurare reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to food security, sustainable ocean resources, and rural economic transformation through innovation and strategic partnerships. He emphasized that the blue economy represents a vital opportunity for Namibia and its neighbors, noting that investments in transport and port infrastructure are critical to strengthening cross-border trade and regional integration.

“The blue economy offers hope not only for our people, but also for our neighbors who, in the spirit of good neighborliness, are now sea linked,” Dr. Ngurare stated. He added that sustainable management of ocean resources can drive growth, create jobs, expand food and energy production, and promote tourism while protecting marine and freshwater ecosystems.

The event featured interventions from global leaders, including H.E. Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of Kenya, H.E. Dr. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, H.E. Mr. Soares Sambu, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau, and Mr. Matsumoto Hisashi, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The high-level dialogue brought together policymakers and practitioners to exchange perspectives on advancing sustainable agriculture and blue economy-driven growth, while promoting inclusive development across Africa.