6 October 2025
Windhoek, Namibia - Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Namibia, represented by Conrad Dempsey, Chief Executive Officer of FirstRand Namibia, Jason Shikalepo, Investment Banking Head at RMB, and Angelique Peake, Oil and Gas, Energy and Resources Sector Lead at RMB, recently participated in a series of high-level engagements at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Their attendance, by invitation of the President of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to the private sector, reinforced RMB’s deep commitment to supporting Namibia’s economic development and positioning the country as a premier investment destination.
The week’s activities commenced with the Africa-America Institute (AAI) Gala Dinner on Sunday, where a fireside chat between the President of Namibia and the President of Mozambique underscored the growing influence of African leadership in shaping global conversations. The event affirmed Namibia’s rising profile and its readiness to engage with international partners.
This was followed by a series of targeted investor meetings facilitated by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), culminating in the “Experience Namibia” showcase. This vibrant event highlighted the nation’s opportunities, particularly in the creative economy. Hollywood actor Eric Roberts, who recently filmed Skeleton Coast in Namibia, was among the guests, further emphasising Namibia’s appeal as a destination for international productions. Inspiring addresses by the President of Namibia and the Minister of International Relations and Trade reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering investment and innovative partnerships.
The delegation’s mission concluded with a high-level roundtable organised by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), supported by RMB Namibia, S&P Global, and Siemens Healthineers. The event served as a landmark for dialogue and partnership, coming over 30 years since the first post-independence Prime Minister’s visit to the UNGA. The welcoming remarks, made by Dempsey, highlighted Namibia’s people-centric approach to business and governance, focusing on building an inclusive society and tackling unemployment. “Although Namibia is small in population, of just 3 million, it is known for consistently performing above its weight,” Dempsey observed. He went on to stress that while energy attracts much attention, the true narrative is one of “human energy” and limitless potential.
Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised Africa’s strategic role as a market of 1.4 billion people and a future source of global talent and resources. Intra-African trade, currently just 17%, presents an enormous opportunity for growth, and Namibia is committed to driving this expansion through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She welcomed partnerships from across the globe, noting that significant capital is essential for sustainable development.
Reflecting on the week’s events, Dempsey noted that, “It is an honour to join the President of Namibia on the world stage and share in the momentum driving Namibia’s investment story. The productive dialogues and tangible outcomes from this week’s engagements reinforce our belief that Namibia is poised for significant economic advancement. FirstRand Namibia stands ready as a partner in driving sustainable progress and innovation.”
Peake remarked, “Our engagements at UNGA have deepened our relationships with Namibia’s leadership and key stakeholders. RMB is committed to partnering with Namibia to unlock sustainable growth across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and creative industries. The enthusiasm and vision demonstrated by Namibia’s leaders are truly inspiring and bode well for the future of the country.”
RMB’s strategic participation at UNGA reaffirms Namibia’s position as a credible and attractive destination for international investment. Through ongoing collaboration with the government, industry, and global partners, RMB is committed to supporting Namibia’s journey toward a prosperous and inclusive future, continuing to lead with innovation, expertise, and solutions that drive meaningful impact.
