Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has underscored Namibia’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with Botswana, with a renewed focus on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking during the Botswana–Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) Ministerial Session currently underway in Windhoek, Ashipala-Musavyi said the time has come for both countries to move with “renewed urgency and purpose” to scale up trade and investment under the AfCFTA framework.
“This landmark agreement offers us a transformative platform to eliminate barriers, harmonise standards, and enable the free movement of goods, services and people across Africa,” she said.
The minister highlighted that the long-standing bilateral relationship between Namibia and Botswana remains a cornerstone of regional integration and development within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU).
“Our two countries have an opportunity and responsibility to advance a model of regional cooperation that serves our citizens and strengthens Africa’s position in the global arena,” she added.
Ashipala-Musavyi also urged both nations to fully leverage the AfCFTA by enhancing connectivity through improved road and rail infrastructure, noting the significance of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor as a key initiative driving infrastructure-led development.
She pointed out that cooperation between the two countries has already shown progress in areas such as trade, transport, energy, and water management, and called for deeper collaboration in agriculture, education, science and technology, tourism, and culture.
“Equally important is our cooperation in defence and security, where peace and stability remain indispensable for good neighbourliness – which in turn fosters an environment where sustainable development can be achieved,” she said.
The BNC Ministerial Session serves as a platform to review and strengthen bilateral cooperation between Namibia and Botswana across multiple sectors, in line with regional and continental development goals.
