Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA and South Africa have committed to strengthening economic cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and accelerating joint development initiatives following the Fourth Session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Pretoria.
The summit, co-chaired by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and adopted measures aimed at advancing economic integration, energy security, infrastructure development and regional trade.
The two leaders reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship, solidarity and shared struggle between the two countries, saying these ties continue to underpin their strategic partnership.
They expressed satisfaction with the growth of political, economic, social and cultural cooperation and committed to further strengthening relations for the benefit of both countries.
The leaders also discussed regional and international matters, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and other multilateral platforms to promote peace, economic integration and sustainable development.
Namibia expressed support for South Africa’s hosting of the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in August 2026.
The BNC reviewed progress made since the previous session and agreed that future cooperation should focus on measurable programmes and projects capable of delivering tangible economic and developmental benefits.
Recognising the close economic ties and complementary resources between the two countries, Namibia and South Africa agreed to promote greater trade and investment, strengthen cross-border value chains, facilitate private-sector partnerships and pursue joint industrial development and beneficiation opportunities.
The two countries welcomed ongoing cooperation in mining, petroleum and natural gas and agreed to explore further collaboration across mineral and energy value chains, including skills development, research, technology, local value addition and beneficiation.
Energy cooperation was identified as a key priority, with the two leaders reaffirming the importance of collaboration in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy and regional energy security.
They also agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Kudu Gas Power Project.
The leaders highlighted the importance of transport and logistics networks in supporting trade and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and other transport links connecting Namibia, South Africa and the wider region.
Cooperation in water resource management, agriculture, food security, public health, skills development and public-sector capacity building was also prioritised as key areas to improve resilience and socio-economic development.
The summit saw the signing of seven bilateral agreements and instruments of cooperation covering areas including employment and labour, public service capacity building, air services, legal cooperation, correctional services, business cooperation and gender equality.
The agreements include a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the legal field, and an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The two Presidents also welcomed the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum, held on the sidelines of the summit, describing it as an important platform for strengthening private-sector partnerships and economic cooperation.
They directed relevant ministries and agencies to develop implementation plans with clear responsibilities and timelines, while senior officials will monitor progress through regular reviews and a mid-term assessment mechanism.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked the South African Government and people for hosting the Namibian delegation and invited President Ramaphosa to Namibia to co-chair the Fifth Session of the BNC at a mutually agreed date.
Ramaphosa accepted the invitation.
Photos: Namibian Presidency/South African Government
