President Nandi-Ndaitwah pushes for stronger economic cooperation at Namibia-South Africa summit
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for deeper economic cooperation between Namibia and South Africa, saying the two neighbouring countries must build on their shared history to improve the lives of their people.
Addressing the opening of the Fourth Session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria on Thursday, alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nandi-Ndaitwah said political freedom must now be matched by economic progress and development.
She said Namibia and South Africa share a long history, forged during the liberation struggle, and stressed that the relationship between the two countries should continue to be strengthened through cooperation and mutual trust.
Among the issues raised by the President was the long-standing Orange River boundary dispute. She said years of technical and diplomatic engagement had laid the groundwork for a final decision and expressed hope that the matter would be resolved during the commission’s deliberations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also thanked South Africa for its support through the Presidential Drought Relief Project, which has helped install boreholes in Namibia. She called for the remaining phase of the project to be completed to improve access to water in affected communities.
On regional development, the President proposed closer cooperation between Namibia, South Africa and Angola to strengthen electricity transmission across the region, saying improved energy connectivity is key to industrialisation and economic growth. She further said Namibia looks forward to future cooperation in nuclear energy once the country has completed the necessary policy and legal framework.
The President also reiterated Namibia’s commitment to tackling climate change while supporting the responsible development of the country’s emerging oil and gas industry.
Turning to regional trade, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for renewed efforts to strengthen the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), saying a stronger regional market would help drive industrialisation and economic resilience.She also reaffirmed Namibia’s support for international law and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and the people of Western Sahara in their pursuit of self-determination.
The President concluded by expressing confidence that the Fourth Session of the Bi-National Commission would produce practical outcomes that would strengthen bilateral relations and deliver lasting benefits for both Namibia and South Africa.
