The relationship between Namibia and Norway, which dates back to Namibia's liberation struggle, has grown over the years.
The Namibia Association of Norway, NAMAS, which started in 1980 and continued after independence, focuses on development projects.
The Namibia Association of Norway began with a local initiative in a small town in Norway called Elverum in 1980, as thousands rallied for Namibia's freedom.
Throughout the 1980s, the association contributed to a wide range of activities, such as sending pre-fabricated houses to Zambia and working with the Namibian Council of Churches in the field of education.
NAMAS Managing Director Anne Siri Brun-Folleras highlighted relations between the two countries during the launch of the open-source education resource series 'Storybooks Namibia' for junior primary learners, which was held at Okahandja.
"This was more than just a political protest; it was a powerful expression of solidarity with the Namibian people. During this time, goods worth two million Norwegian kroner were collected and sent to refugees and exiles in Angola, marking the birth of NAMAS."
After Namibia's independence, NAMAS became a key partner in rebuilding Namibia's education system.
The association is dedicated to serving marginalized groups in northwestern Namibia, with key initiatives including the development of teachers' resource centers at Opuwo and Tsumkwe.
The partnership has been central in shaping Namibia's educational landscape through teacher training programs, school infrastructure development, and access to educational resources.
In partnership with the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED), the association has made significant strides in improving the quality of education.
"Our funds now primarily come from the Namibia shop in Elverum, contributions from Norwegian students, and some funding from the county and municipality. To ensure that we can continue supporting education in Namibia for years to come, we need to rethink our approach to funding. The board and I are currently working on a strategic plan to work smarter, ensuring that we can have a sustainable plan for the future."
Furthermore, trade between the two countries has been growing.
Namibia mainly exports meat and products from bovine, sheep, and goats to Norway.
Norway's exports to Namibia include excavation machinery, small iron pipes, and machinery with individual functions.