02/06/2026
GOVERNOR MUTFWANG SECURES STRATEGIC NAMIBIA PARTNERSHIP TO DRIVE ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN PLATEAU
In a significant diplomatic and economic milestone aimed at expanding development opportunities for the people of Plateau State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has forged a strategic partnership with the Republic of Namibia to accelerate economic transformation, youth empowerment, agricultural advancement, tourism development, and cultural exchange.
The landmark collaboration emerged from a high-level engagement between the Plateau State Government and a delegation led by Namibia's High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya. The meeting culminated in the signing of a Joint Communiqué that establishes a framework for long-term cooperation across key sectors critical to sustainable development and economic growth.
The initiative reflects Governor Mutfwang's commitment to leveraging international partnerships to unlock Plateau State's immense economic potential, attract investment, strengthen institutions, and create sustainable opportunities for citizens, particularly young people. Through this partnership, both parties aim to facilitate knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, capacity building, and mutually beneficial investments that will advance Plateau State's development agenda.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, deepening people-to-people ties, promoting cooperation, and advancing inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development through strategic engagement and mutually beneficial initiatives.
A major focus of the collaboration is tourism development. Drawing on Namibia's internationally acclaimed expertise in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, the partnership will support efforts to reposition Plateau State as a premier tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond. Areas of cooperation include the revitalization of key tourism assets such as the Jos Wildlife Park, promotion of conservation initiatives, and attraction of investments in hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
The partnership also prioritizes agriculture and food security, with both governments committing to collaborate in livestock development, veterinary services, aquaculture, irrigation farming, agricultural mechanization, agro-processing, and agribusiness. These initiatives are expected to enhance productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, improve food security, and generate employment opportunities across the sector.
Recognizing the critical role of young people in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, the agreement places strong emphasis on youth development. The partnership will promote vocational and technical training, entrepreneurship programmes, digital innovation, skills acquisition, leadership development, educational exchanges, and job creation initiatives designed to equip young people with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
The collaboration further opens new opportunities in arts, culture, and the creative economy through cultural diplomacy programmes, artistic exchanges, film and music collaborations, and institutional partnerships. These initiatives will not only showcase Plateau State's rich cultural heritage but also create new platforms for creative professionals and cultural entrepreneurs.
Beyond these sectors, both parties agreed to explore cooperation in mining, environmental sustainability, housing development, land administration, climate resilience, and urban planning, reinforcing Governor Mutfwang's holistic vision for economic diversification and sustainable development.
To ensure effective implementation of the partnership, a Joint Programme Implementation Committee will be established to coordinate activities, monitor progress, and facilitate stakeholder engagement. Discussions are also advancing toward the establishment of a formal Sister-State relationship between Plateau State and Namibia's Omusati Region, a move expected to deepen economic, cultural, and developmental ties between both regions.
This landmark partnership underscores Governor Mutfwang's proactive leadership and strategic efforts to position Plateau State as a hub for international cooperation, investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. It further demonstrates the administration's determination to build enduring global alliances that deliver tangible benefits to citizens and accelerate the state's journey toward prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development.
Gyang Bere, PhD
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
June 2, 2026
