Ithete calls Africans to abolish donor dependence

By Staff Reporter

THE Namibian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Hon. Natangue Paulus Ithete, now a new Chair of the African Regional Platform Bureau for DRR Bureau has warned Africans to abolish or discontinue to put an end to donor funding from the superpowers.

Mr. Ithete stressed this during the meeting of African leaders held in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday June 2, 2025 warning his fellow Africans that “let us do away with the chronical dependence on superpowers! While we remain grateful of assistance from elsewhere, we are also cognisant that the world is ever changing” stressed Ithete.

He added that the ongoing cut of US funding across sectors should be a lesson-learnt and “warning for us all to work toward self-reliance through domesticated investment and strengthened efforts in Disaster Risks Reduction and Management”

Mr. Ithete welcomed his new appointment saying that Namibia is proud to serve in this role at such a pivotal time, and extended sincere appreciation to the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for organizing this gathering to validate the draft Africa Common Position to the Global Platform 2025.

He however added that the draft reflects a truly inclusive, member-state-led consultation process, guided by the African Union Commission and supported by the Africa Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction and the UNDRR Secretariat.

Hon.Ithete thanked all Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and stakeholders for their valuable inputs and efforts.

“Their contributions have been critical in shaping a position that reflects our shared vision and continental priorities.”

He lamented the fact that the draft Africa Common Position is fully aligned with the Windhoek Declaration which ensures that African delegates speak with one voice at GP2025—amplifying its common concerns and ambitions on the global stage.

Ithete also announced that, “this position sets the stage for effective implementation of the Windhoek Declaration and the GP2025 outcomes, advancing our commitments under the Sendai Framework and contributing meaningfully to sustainable development across Africa”.

He further said that Namibia remains fully committed to supporting the AUC and UNDRR in securing endorsement of this Common Position by AU Policy Organs, and to ensuring its implementation at all levels. “As we proceed, I encourage all delegates to critically review the draft and work together to finalize a strong, unified position for submission by the African Union Commission”. He said.

ENDS…/