It is with profound sadness that the Secretariat of the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa observes the passing of H.E. Hage Geingob, the third President of the Republic of Namibia and Co-Chair of the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa.
President Geingob passed away on 4 February 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our continent.
President Geingob served as one of the founding Co-Chairs of the High-Level Panel along with H.E. Macky Sall, President of Senegal; H.E. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, and H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of United Republic of Tanzania.
He is widely recognised for his unwavering commitment to realising the fundamental human right to access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Elevating water security on an international stage
During the UN 2023 Water Conference, President Geingob received global recognition through the Global Presidential Water Changemakers Award for his leadership in the establishment of the High-Level Panel on Water Investment for Africa.
As Co-Chair of the High-Level Panel, Namibia played a pivotal role in the development of the High-Level Panel Report that was launched at the UN 2023 Water Conference; as well as the African Union High-Level Panel Africa Water Investment Action Plan, launched during COP28, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Commitment to achieving SDG 6 in Namibia
At home, President Geingob accelerated investments in his country’s water sector, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
His government implemented priority bulk, rural and sanitation projects; water infrastructure development and rehabilitation; and water investments for agricultural development. Namibia has since independence in 1990, made significant progress on the supply of potable water and 93% of the population are using improved drinking-water sources.
President Geingob’s steadfast leadership has benefited not only his country, but also the Southern African region and continent as a whole – bringing us closer towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, as well as the African Union Vision 2063.
During this moment of profound grief, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of President Geingob and to the entire Namibian nation. We share in your sorrow and stand united as a continent in mourning the loss of a great leader.
May we find strength in our unity and may the memory of President Geingob inspire us to uphold the values that he championed throughout his distinguished service.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Issued by the Secretariat of the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa and AIP
Photo courtesy of the Namibian Presidency via the BBC.