Namibia and Angola Urged to Turn Historic Ties into Economic Benefits
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibia and Angola to strengthen their cooperation by turning their shared history into practical economic and social benefits for their citizens.
Speaking at the inaugural Angola–Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC), the President highlighted the historical relationship between the two countries, recalling Angola’s support for Namibians during the liberation struggle.
She expressed gratitude to the Angolan people for providing shelter and refuge to Namibians during the fight for independence, noting that Angolans, Namibians and Cubans made significant sacrifices in the struggle for freedom.
Nandi-Ndaitwah identified the Cassinga Massacre of 4 May 1978 and the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale as important moments in Namibia’s liberation history. She said the shared sacrifices of the two nations created a responsibility to ensure their longstanding friendship delivers lasting benefits for their people.
The President described the 2019 decision to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a Bi-National Commission as an important step towards improving coordination and expanding cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
While acknowledging progress made through the Joint Commission of Cooperation, she said the BNC provides a broader platform for collaboration in politics, diplomacy, trade, social development, defence and security.
She urged ministers and government officials from both countries to prioritise the implementation of existing agreements and memoranda of understanding, stressing that commitments must produce measurable results.
Through the commission, Namibia and Angola aim to advance industrialisation, strengthen education and create more economic opportunities for their citizens.
Water, trade and energy cooperation
Water infrastructure featured prominently in the President’s remarks, with Nandi-Ndaitwah calling for faster progress on cross-border projects, including extending the Cafu Canal infrastructure into Namibia and commissioning permanent pumping stations at Calueque.
She said the projects could improve Namibia’s water security and contribute to agricultural development.
The President also called for closer cooperation between customs, immigration and border authorities to make cross-border trade easier. She stressed that the shared border should support economic activity rather than create unnecessary obstacles for businesses and traders.
In the energy sector, Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed progress made on the Angola–Namibia Interconnector (ANNA) Project in 2026.
She also highlighted the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation in the Oil and Natural Gas Sector, which creates opportunities for Namibia to benefit from Angola’s experience as it develops its own oil and gas industry.
Responsible use of natural resources
Nandi-Ndaitwah further called for responsible management and exploitation of natural resources, urging both countries to ensure that their resources are used sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations.
She also praised Angolan President João Lourenço for his role in promoting conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the region and across Africa.
The Namibian President stressed that peace remains essential for development and called for stronger collective efforts to end armed conflicts across the continent.
She concluded by thanking Lourenço for his leadership in strengthening relations between the two countries, expressing hope that the commission’s deliberations would produce meaningful outcomes and further deepen bilateral cooperation.
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