The Namibia Israel Business Association (NIBA) was officially launched this week at an occasion held at the Windhoek Country Club that also marked the commemoration of Israel's 60th independence anniversary. Speaking at the launch, Ilan Baruch, Ambassador of Israel to South Africa said he was very excited by the potential capacity offered by Namibia.

Joel Kaapanda, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Ilan Baruch, Ambassador of Israel to South Africa, and Harold Pupkewitz, Acting President of NIBA, at the official launch of NIBA.

He said he was optimistic that Namibia holds the future to the effective production of bio-fuel and has the potential to become the leading laboratory for the future of mankind.
Israel not only brings its expertise to Namibia in the mining sector, but also focuses on jewellery design, energy and the agriculture sector.
“Israel's investment in Namibia is aimed at impacting the Namibian economy and enhance the people's skills,” said Baruch.
Businessman Harold Pupkewitz, the Acting President of NIBA, said: “Namibia has much to offer in terms of economic opportunities in developing its human resources, increasing agricultural output, marketing a unique tourism experience, and of course the expansion and beneficiation of its natural resources
“We in Namibia look forward to the promises of Vision 2030 and are keenly aware of the need for much higher levels of job creation which can only come through economic development.” Pupkewitz hopes that the establishment of NIBA will enable Israeli companies to invest in the country and encourage the export of Namibian goods and service to the booming Israeli market.
Also present at the launch was the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Joel Kaapanda. He said, “The participation of Namibia in the form of labour provides good opportunities for Namibians to acquire relevant skills. The investment by Israel in diamond cutting and polishing will transfer cutting-edge technology to Namibia.”
Israel has defeated the forces of nature by turning a desert into a plantation, added Kaapanda, and Namibia can surely learn from Israel in that regard.
Kaapanda hopes that NIBA will help attract more Israeli investors, as it will help Namibians learn from their expertise in various fields.