South Africa and Namibia have taken their famously warm relationship to a new level, signing seven agreements on trade, investment, industrialisation and regional integration at the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria.
Co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Commission reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and, in a joint communiqué, expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of cooperation between the two neighbours. The session was preceded by senior officials’ meetings on 14 and 15 July and a ministerial segment on 16 July.
A partnership already paying dividends
The numbers behind the friendship are impressive. More than 50 South African companies invested in Namibia between 2023 and 2025, contributing approximately US$1.2 billion in capital and creating around 4,900 jobs across mining, banking, insurance, property and renewable energy.
Since the Bi-National Commission was established in 2013, the two countries have concluded 75 agreements and memoranda of understanding spanning political and economic cooperation, social development, science and technology, and defence and security.
Energy, transport and shared value chains
The two Presidents agreed to intensify economic cooperation, promote greater trade and investment, strengthen cross-border value chains and pursue joint industrial development and beneficiation. Cooperation in mining, petroleum and natural gas will expand across mineral and energy value chains, with emphasis on exploration, research, technology, skills development and local value addition.
Energy featured prominently: the leaders committed to strengthening collaboration in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy and regional energy security, and to accelerating the Kudu Gas Power Project. On transport, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and other links connecting the Southern African region.
The Commission also welcomed the South Africa–Namibia Business Forum, held under the theme “Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa–Namibia Partnerships”, as a strategic platform bringing government and business leaders together.
Eyes on the region
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area, and Namibia expressed support for South Africa as host of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in August 2026.
To make sure the agreements translate into action, the Presidents directed ministries to develop implementation plans with clear responsibilities and timelines, according to the joint communiqué reported by SAnews. President Nandi-Ndaitwah has invited President Ramaphosa to Namibia for the Fifth Session — an invitation he accepted, keeping this good-neighbour story firmly on track.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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