India-Namibia Unite for Growth: UPI And Strategic MoUs

In a landmark development aimed at redefining bilateral ties, India and Namibia have embarked on a new era of cooperation through a strengthened India-Namibia Digital Partnership. The announcement came following high-level talks in Windhoek on July 9, 2025, between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The talks concluded with major agreements that include the adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Namibia later this year and the establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) in the country.

This breakthrough highlights India’s evolving strategy to forge meaningful, technology-driven alliances across Africa, while supporting capacity-building, innovation, and sustainable development.

India-Namibia: UPI Launch – A Digital Milestone in Africa

A pivotal moment in the growing India-Namibia Digital Partnership is the rollout of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in Namibia. This follows the UPI technology licensing agreement signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Bank of Namibia in April 2024. With this step, Namibia becomes one of the first African nations to implement India’s flagship digital payment platform, signifying trust in India’s digital architecture and reinforcing the country’s position as a global fintech leader.

Addressing the Namibian Parliament, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the nation for embracing this digital leap, saying, “UPI will empower Namibian citizens and businesses with a secure, fast, and inclusive financial system. This is more than a tech transfer—it’s a step towards digital equity.”

Entrepreneurship Development Centre: Empowering the Next Generation

Further strengthening the India-Namibia Digital Partnership, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia. This institution will serve as a hub for innovation, mentorship, and training, empowering Namibian youth and aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to drive economic transformation.

“This Centre will not only nurture startups and small enterprises but also build bridges between Indian and Namibian business ecosystems,” PM Modi said during the joint press briefing. The move underscores India’s commitment to capacity building and skill development in the Global South.

India-Namibia: A Partnership Rooted in History and Vision

This is PM Modi’s first visit to Namibia and only the third by an Indian Prime Minister, marking a historic moment in the two nations’ enduring relationship. Reflecting on India’s long-standing support for Namibia’s independence, PM Modi declared, “India is proud to have stood with Namibia—not just in words, but in action—from raising its cause at the United Nations in 1946 to materially supporting its liberation movement.”

Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah echoed this sentiment, stating that India has remained a steadfast friend, and today’s cooperation is a continuation of a time-tested alliance.

Strategic Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors

Beyond the digital domain, the leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in defence, security, education, agriculture, healthcare, and critical minerals. Namibia also officially joined the India-backed Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance—two multilateral frameworks focused on sustainable development and climate resilience.

“These collaborations are strategic, not symbolic,” Modi said. “They reflect our shared vision for inclusive progress and planetary health.”

A Tribute to Heroes and Legacy

During his visit, PM Modi paid homage at Heroes’ Acre, honoring Namibia’s founding father, Sam Nujoma, whom he described as “a visionary leader and a great friend of India.” The Indian Prime Minister also received Namibia’s highest civilian honor—the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, named after the nation’s resilient desert plant.

Addressing the symbolism, Modi remarked, “Like the Welwitschia, our friendship is rare, resilient, and rooted in history. It only grows stronger with time.”

India and Africa: Building Together, Not Competing

In a stirring address to the Namibian Parliament, PM Modi reiterated India’s approach to Africa, not as a continent to compete over, but as a partner to grow with. “With Africa, we seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Not to take, but to grow together,” he said, emphasizing India’s role in ensuring the continent leads in value creation and innovation.

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