Photo: The United Kingdom’s Deputy High Commissioner to Namibia, Ben Stride
The United Kingdom’s Deputy High Commissioner to Namibia, Ben Stride, undertook his annual visit to the Erongo Region this past week as part of the British High Commission’s ongoing coastal outreach programme.
The visit is aimed at strengthening ties with the sizeable community of UK nationals residing along Namibia’s coastline, including Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Henties Bay. According to Stride, the tour provides an important platform for direct engagement with British citizens living and working in the region. “It’s an important opportunity for us to engage directly with UK nationals, to listen to their experiences and to share key messages from the High Commission,” he said. In addition to community engagement, the visit places strong emphasis on consular cooperation.
The Namibian coast remains a popular destination for UK tourists, while cruise liner arrivals at the Port of Walvis Bay continue to increase. During the multi-day visit, the delegation met with local hospitals, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen coordination in assisting UK nationals when required. Stride noted that spending several days at the coast allows the High Commission to gain a broader understanding of regional developments, including business activity and potential investment opportunities linked to the UK. The coastal outreach also reinforces the wider UK–Namibia bilateral relationship, which spans trade, investment, education, sport, cultural exchange and deep historical ties. “Being here at the coast reinforces and complements the strong relationship we already have with Namibia,” Stride said. A key focus of discussions during the visit is Namibia’s growing role in renew-able energy and green hydrogen development.
The UK has expressed strong support for a just energy transition, and Stride highlighted Namibia’s vast potential, citing its abundant sunlight, extensive coastline and available land. Among the initiatives receiving attention is the Daures Green Hydrogen Village project, supported through the UK’s Accelerate to Demonstrate model. The project aims to produce green ammonia for carbon-free fertiliser by 2027, with potential benefits for emissions reduction and agricultural productivity. It also prioritises skills development and knowledge transfer for local communities.
With increasing UK private sector interest in Namibia’s renewable energy sector, the visit underscores continued cooperation and shared ambitions for sustainable growth between the two nations.
By Rudi Bowe
