Championing gender-transformative water investments globally through the G20–Global Outlook Council’s USD 10–12 billion pipeline
Windhoek, Namibia / Stockholm, Sweden – 21 October 2025: The Global Water Partnership (GWP) has appointed H.E. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, as its Global Champion for Gender Equality — a role dedicated to promoting gender-transformative water investments worldwide, including through the G20–Global Outlook Council on Water Investments’ USD 10–12 billion pipeline.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah accepted the invitation during an official meeting at the Namibian State House with GWP, led by Alex Simalabwi, CEO of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) and Executive Secretary of GWP, to explore collaboration between Namibia and GWP on the Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments, including mobilising priority climate-resilient water investments and scaling up gender equality.
The G20–Global Outlook Council on Water Investments, launched as a G20 Presidential Legacy Initiative, established the Global Water Investment Platform (GIP) to fast-track financing for water security worldwide.
Establishment of a Namibia – GWP Technical Working Group
GWP delegation meets with H.E. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House of the Republic of Namibia
A Technical Working Group has been established, led jointly by the Office of the President of Namibia and the CEO of GWPO, to coordinate the implementation of joint priorities, including:
- The Global Water Investment Facility for the Global Water Investment Platform (GIP)
- Mobilising partnerships for securing water availability for transformation of the Kunene Region in northern Namibia into an economic hub, including a multipurpose water infrastructure dam
- Integration of gender equality into water investment decisions – Namibia’s leadership will champion embedding gender equality and inclusion across all stages of investment design, financing, and implementation within the GIP pipeline and globally.
The Working Group will serve as the main platform to drive action and ensure tangible results under the Namibia–GWP collaboration.
“President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership embodies the values that define GWP’s Global Transformation Agenda — integrity, inclusion, and innovation. Her voice will help ensure that gender equality becomes a driving force in global investment frameworks.”— Alex Simalabwi, CEO of GWPO
GWP’s Track Record in Gender-Transformative Water Investments
This new role builds on over a decade of GWP’s track record, including:
- The WACDEP-G Project, funded by Austria, supporting the African Union to integrate gender into national climate and water strategies.
- The AIP-GCF Readiness project, assisting governments in designing climate-resilient, gender-responsive water projects.
- Collaborations with Sida (Sweden), the Netherlands, and UK FCDO to mainstream inclusion at every level of water governance.
Next Steps
The joint Technical Working Group will drive implementation under the office of the President and the Prime Minister. Support will build on the work of the AU-AIP High Level Panel on Water Investments and the ongoing USD 11 million Kunene-Cuvelai Transboundary Water Management project.
Hon. Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister of Namibia and Mr Alex Simalabwi, CEO of GWPO
About the Global Water Partnership (GWP)
GWP is a global multi-stakeholder network and intergovernmental organisation dedicated to advancing the governance, financing, and sustainable management of water resources across more than 180 countries.
Media Enquiries:
Monika Ericson, Senior Communications Specialist: monika.ericson@gwp.org