Soon People Will Send Money Faster Than One Can Say ‘Tangi Unene’: PM Modi As Namibia Becomes First Foreign Nation To Adopt UPI Technology

Windhoek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to a joint session of Namibia’s Parliament on Wednesday, announced that Namibia has become the first foreign country to enter into a licensing agreement to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology.

PM Modi, currently on the final leg of his five-nation tour, received a standing ovation at the Namibian Parliament, a gesture reflecting the warmth and growing ties between the two nations. His speech underscored shared democratic values, common struggles, and a promising digital future.

"We are thrilled that Namibia is the first country to adopt India's UPI- Unified Payments Interface technology. Soon, people will be able to send money faster than one can say 'Tangi Unene'," PM Modi said, drawing a cheerful response from the Namibian lawmakers.

He further added, "Soon, a Himba grandmother in Kunene or a shopkeeper in Katutura will be able to go digital with just a tap, faster than a Springbok. Our bilateral trade has crossed 800 million dollars. But like on the cricket field, we are just warming up. We will score faster and score more."

The announcement follows the signing of a licensing agreement in April 2024 between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Bank of Namibia, marking a major milestone in India’s push to globalize its digital infrastructure.

UPI in Namibia: A First in Digital Cooperation

During a press briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, Secretary (East) Dammu Ravi stated that Namibia is the first country in the world where the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Central Bank of Namibia have signed a licensing agreement to enable the use of UPI for real-time payments.

He said, “Namibia is the first country in the world where NPCI-National Payment Cooperation of India and the Namibian Central Bank have entered into a licensing agreement for the deployment of the UPI in Namibia for real-time payments. This is a significant development. We believe that this will open up new avenues for cooperation in the digital space between our two countries...”

Strengthening Bilateral Ties: MoUs Exchanged in Windhoek

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah witnessed the exchange of two Memorandums of Understanding, one for the setting up of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre, and another focused on cooperation in health and medicine. The agreements were signed during Modi’s one-day state visit to Namibia, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 27 years.

In another significant outcome, Namibia also joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance, reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability and resilience initiatives alongside India.

Honoring Shared History and Values

PM Modi, in his speech, also recalled India’s longstanding support for Namibia’s freedom struggle, noting that India hosted the first overseas office of SWAPO, Namibia’s liberation movement, in New Delhi.

“India is proud to have stood with Namibia during its freedom struggle,” he said.

“We both have endured colonial rule, and we both cherish our independence. Our Constitutions are guided by the principles of liberty, equality, and justice. As members of the Global South, we share not just challenges but dreams, aspirations, and solutions.”

PM Modi’s landmark visit and announcements mark a new chapter in India–Namibia relations, driven by digital innovation, shared values, and global solidarity.

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