Staff Reporter
BERLIN’S Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, will visit the Namibian capital, Windhoek, from 15 to 18 October 2025, to commemorate 25 years of partnership between the two cities.
Wegner will be accompanied by a delegation of cultural and business representatives under the theme “Remembering together. Experiencing together. Creating change together.”
“For 25 years, Berlin and Windhoek have cultivated an active city partnership. We want to further strengthen and intensify this relationship,” said Wegner ahead of the visit. “The two cities are linked by numerous projects in culture, education, business, research, sports, and democracy – and also by our shared historical responsibility in light of Germany’s colonial past.”
During the visit, Wegner and Windhoek Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja will sign a Joint Action Plan outlining new initiatives and objectives for cooperation. The Berlin mayor will also participate in a “Memory Walk” to sites of remembrance, visit the “Voices of the Cities” exhibition on bilateral projects, and engage in discussions on skills development and professional training.
On 16 October, Wegner is expected to address students at the University of Namibia on the importance of city partnerships and join a workshop titled “Past, Present, Partnership.” The following day, he will visit a partner school and the Riverheights Football Academy, before attending the world premiere of the musical “People of Song.” The production, featuring artists from both countries, will later be staged at Berlin’s Humboldt Forum in November.
The final day of the visit will include tours of a local business project, a health initiative, and the “Single Quarters” neighbourhood market, along with meetings with Namibian government representatives.
The “25 Years of Twin Cities Windhoek – Berlin” anniversary program includes exhibitions, theatre performances, tours, and workshops organised by Kulturprojekte Berlin and partners, with support from the Berlin Lotto Foundation.
Berlin and Windhoek have been partner cities since 6 July 2000. Their cooperation covers science, research, culture, energy, education, and sports, with efforts also aimed at boosting business ties and expanding career opportunities for young Namibians.
Photo: City of Windhoek
