Plateau, Namibia Explore Tourism, Mining, Livestock Partnership

The Plateau State Government and the Namibia have begun discussions on a strategic partnership focused on tourism, mining, wildlife conservation, livestock development, agriculture, and intra-African trade.

The talks took place on Thursday when Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya, visited Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the New Government House in Rayfield, Jos.

The meeting brought together senior government officials and stakeholders despite the public holiday, a development both parties described as evidence of serious commitment to governance and regional cooperation.

Ndevashiya praised the level of participation at the meeting, saying he was impressed by the turnout and dedication shown by Plateau officials.

He described Plateau as “a true home of peace and tourism,” highlighting its hospitality, climate, and tourism potential. According to him, Namibia is seeking stronger partnerships with Nigerian states in sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, wildlife management, and the creative economy.

The envoy stressed the need for African countries to strengthen trade relations among themselves rather than relying heavily on external markets.

“We are here to move from rhetoric to action. Africa must begin to trade meaningfully with itself,” he said, adding that Plateau State and Namibia could become models for practical cooperation on the continent.

Governor Mutfwang described the engagement as a major step toward positioning Plateau as a destination for investment and tourism development. He recalled visiting Namibia in 2012 and said the country’s achievements in wildlife conservation and tourism inspired his administration’s plans to improve Plateau’s wildlife parks and tourism assets.

The governor stated that Africa possesses the resources and capacity to build stronger economies through strategic continental partnerships and intra-African trade.

He also pledged Plateau State’s readiness to support policies and investment frameworks capable of translating the discussions into concrete economic projects.

Also speaking, former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bagudu Hirse, described Namibia as a strong example in tourism and wildlife management and commended ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.