ipumbu shiimi : currency conversion agreement between bank of namibia and national bank of angola remarks by mr ipumbu shiimi, governor of the bank of namibia, at the signing ceremony “ currency conversion agreement between bank of namibia and national bank of angola ”, santa clara, 22 september 2014. * * * director of ceremonies ms rosa pacavia, minister of trade dr jose de lima massano, governor of banco nacional de angola mr antonio didalelwa, governor of the province of cunene mr usko nghaamwa, governor of the ohangwena region mr antonio tiago gomes, executive secretary of the angolan chamber of commerce ; mr tomas indjii, chairperson of the namibia chamber of commerce : ongwediva branch distinguished invited guests members of the media ladies and gentlemen, bondia it is a pleasure to address you today at this important occasion of the signing of the currency conversion agreement between the bank of namibia and banco nacional de angola. this heralds a significant milestone in the creation of an enabling business environment for namibia and angola and is among the many steps we need to take towards winning the economic struggle and achieve prosperity for our two countries. ladies and gentlemen, to contextualise this signing ceremony, we need to reflect on our history. namibia and angola are much more than just mere geographical neighbours. these two nations share a long history and common heritage that cannot be severed. during namibia ’ s long and stretched out liberation struggle for independence, angola became the refuge for many namibians and served as the strategic military base from which to fight the war. after namibia gained independence ; namibia in turn supported the government of angola during their civil war and provided a home for angolans seeking refuge. this support to each other in times of need has created a strong bond that it is cemented by blood. since then, both countries have emerged from bitter wars. with the return of peace to both countries, we are vigorously pursuing the second phase of the struggle, the economic emancipation of our citizens. hence the need to create the necessary platforms, including payment system infrastructures, that will enhance trade among the people of our two countries. against this background, this agreement will allow for the conversion of the national currencies of the republic of angola and the republic of namibia with the aim to stimulate trade between the two countries. this means the kwanza and the namibia dollar will now be acceptable on both sides of the borders. the agreement will thus further strengthen the

ladies and gentlemen, 1 / 2 bis - central bankers'speeches from a bipolar to a multipolar world order, we are currently experiencing one of the most significant shifts in recent history. changes are occurring in traditional power centres as developing economies gain significance. the expansion of the brics + serves as a perfect illustration. we are well - positioned to take advantage of these shifts. the 57th conference / meeting is taking place against the backdrop of a challenging and uncertain global economy characterised by low growth, high inflation, high interest rates, and high debt levels. additionally, we must recognise and acknowledge the pressing issue of climate change, which brings with it a multitude of risks such as droughts, fires, and floods. in light of these complex challenges, it gives me great pleasure to extend a warm greeting to dr. sabine mauderer, our guest speaker. dr. mauderer is a fervent supporter of greening the financial system, with a strong emphasis on fostering collaboration between the global north and south to address both economic and environmental concerns. our meeting in this unique oasis is not only an opportunity to receive updates on progress made with the implementation of the ccbg 2021 - 2023 strategy, but also a chance to craft the new 2024 - 2026 ccbg strategy and to embody the change we envision for our communities and nations. let the winds that rustle through these dunes and the tides that caress our shores remind us of the ebbs and flows of leadership and let them inspire us to navigate the complexities of our roles with grace and wisdom. in this land where nature's elements dance in harmonious synchrony, may we too find common ground and shared purpose, forging bonds that endure and echo in the hearts of those we serve. welcome, dear governors, invited guests to swakopmund and namibia, where the poetry of nature meets the poetry of governance, and where, together, we script the verses of progress and harmony for our shared world. ladies and gentlemen, hosting the ccbg meeting is a significant event for namibia. therefore, this event would not be complete without the wisdom and guidance of the right hon. saara kuugongelwa - amadhila. today, it is my esteemed honour to introduce a leader with exceptional vision, passion, and unwavering dedication to the development and wellbeing of her country. having served as a minister of finance, prime minister kuugongelwa