Niël Terblanché
Namibia and Zambia are exploring ways to boost reciprocal trade by identifying goods each country can supply to the other.
Officials from both sides have been tasked with studying their import lists and finding products that can be sourced through mutual trade.
The plan was revealed during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s working visit to Zambia.
She returned to Windhoek on Friday afternoon after a two-day visit to Botswana and Zambia, focused on cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and industry.
In Lusaka, Nandi-Ndaitwah met with President Hakainde Hichilema. The two leaders held private and official talks.
They agreed that human-centred development should guide cooperation. Discussions focused on energy, roads, and port infrastructure.
They also agreed to upgrade border facilities and use technology to support 24-hour border operations.
They highlighted the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor as a key priority.
“Practical steps are needed to improve or replace ageing infrastructure,” the heads of state said. They instructed officials to address logistical barriers without delay.
The two governments are encouraging joint ventures between Namibian and Zambian entrepreneurs, particularly in agriculture.
The visit carried a symbolic gesture. President Hichilema renamed Kasama Road and Sadzu Road in Lusaka after Namibia’s late Founding President Sam Nujoma and the late President Hage Geingob.
At the renaming ceremonies, Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on Zambia’s support for Namibia’s liberation and the close ties between Kenneth Kaunda and Sam Nujoma.
In 2023, Namibia imported goods worth US$74.53 million (about N$1.4 billion) from Zambia.
These included electricity, nickel ore, and soybean meal.
However, Zambia’s exports to Namibia have declined over the past five years.
Before visiting Zambia, Nandi-Ndaitwah met with President Duma Boko in Gaborone.
The two leaders reaffirmed friendships between their countries and agreed to focus on people-centred cooperation.
“Bridging the gap between the haves and the have-nots and fighting poverty through job creation required urgent and concrete programs,” they said.
They discussed plans for a joint oil refinery, building on Namibia’s recent oil and gas discoveries.
They agreed that a regional refinery would benefit both countries and neighbouring states.
They also committed to closer cooperation in the diamond sector. Their mining ministers will meet ahead of industry events to coordinate strategies.
The leaders pledged to accelerate joint infrastructure projects, including the upgrade of the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line and expanded import routes through the Port of Walvis Bay.
They agreed to look into joint certification of medical products to lower costs and avoid bureaucratic delays.
On agriculture, they stressed the need to work together in finding new beef export markets.
They also noted progress in the voluntary return of Ovaherero families from Botswana to Namibia with their livestock.
Once we make final arrangements, we expect another group to return.
The presidency said the visit reaffirmed regional solidarity and a shared commitment to joint development.
