Japanese government donates food aid worth N$42 million

STAFF REPORTER



The deputy prime minister and minister of international relations and cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and Japanese ambassador Harada Hideaki signed a food aid agreement this week.

The agreement will see Japan provide food aid worth around N$42 million in support of the Namibian government’s efforts in tackling difficulties caused by the significant drought (2016-2019) and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked Japan for this cooperation and said Japan is among the countries that continue to be with Namibian in difficult situations, be it drought ot the pandemic.

“The assistance offered has definitely made and will continue to make a difference in the lives of many Namibians,” she said.

In addition to the food aid, Japan has started implementing a technical a technical cooperation project in the northern regions, which aims to increase food production and improve the livelihood of small-scale farmers through diversification of agricultural and farm products, provision of training and facilitating farmers’ access to markets.

Ambassador Hideaki emphasised that the motto of the Japanese policy toward Africa is ‘Respect Africa’s Ownership; Support in the Spirit of Partnership’.

Photo caption: Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Japanese ambassador Harada Hideaki signed a food aid agreement this week.