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Upcoming: Keynote at the Schader-Stiftung’s 14th Grand Convention, 6 November 2026
Naita Hishoono

Namibia–Germany relations

Namibia and Germany. A shared history, a common future.

Few relationships are as close – and as complex – as the one between Namibia and Germany. Colonial history, the genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama, the reconciliation debate, development cooperation, green hydrogen: I bring a Namibian perspective to German audiences – in German, and shaped by growing up in the GDR.

  • 1979–1990childhood and schooling in the GDR
  • DE · ENtalks and advice in both languages
  • 20years in governance & civil society

Who I work with in Germany

  • Foundations & civic education

    Talks, workshops and dialogue formats on democracy, remembrance and partnership.

  • Universities & academies

    Guest lectures, fellowships and research cooperation on postcolonial questions.

  • Ministries, parliaments & companies

    Briefings before visits, cooperation projects or investments in Namibia.

Topics I speak and advise on

  • 01

    Remembrance & reconciliation

    Who remembers colonialism, and how? What the reconciliation debate means in Namibia.

  • 02

    Partnership on equal terms

    Development cooperation, green hydrogen and investment – seen from Namibia.

  • 03

    Growing up between two worlds

    The story of the “GDR children of Namibia” – identity, solidarity and belonging.

A bridge between both countries

I was one of around 470 Namibian children who grew up in the GDR during Namibia’s liberation struggle and returned home in 1990. Since then I have lived and worked between both worlds – as a fellow at the University of Hamburg, as a speaker at German foundations and universities, and as a contributor to a postcolonial travel guide to German colonial history in Namibia.

Frequently asked questions

Invite a Namibian perspective

For your conference, lecture series, delegation or team – in German or English.

naitahishoono@gmail.com+264 81 292 4850

Reply within two working days