Justicia Shipena
The senior officials meeting of the second session of the Namibia–Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) began in Windhoek on Monday, with officials expressing optimism that it will strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Namibia’s executive director at the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, said the meeting would build on existing ties and deliver outcomes that improve the lives of citizens.
“As we begin this session of the Senior Officials meeting, I am convinced that our deliberations will lead to the enhancement of bilateral cooperation between our two countries,” she said.
She welcomed the Botswana delegation led by Ambassador Thuso Ramodimoosi, permanent secretary in Botswana’s Ministry of International Relations, and reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to deepening relations.
“Noting our enduring historical, socio-economic, cultural, and familial connections, we cherish any opportunity to gather physically, including for an auspicious meeting such as this,” Nghipondoka-Robiati said.
Nghipondoka-Robiati said the senior officials are expected to produce draft agreed minutes and a draft joint communiqué to be presented to the ministerial meeting on Thursday.
She noted that most of the technical work will take place in committees, urging participants to focus on areas that promote sustainable development.
“Our joint efforts to promote sustainable development for our respective peoples should be a priority as we move forward in our deliberations. Let us utilise this opportunity to review, exchange and bring about substantive ideas which will further reinforce our cooperation.”
She expressed confidence that the meeting will deliver concrete results.
The senior officials session will conclude on Wednesday, followed by the ministerial session on Thursday, co-chaired by Namibia’s minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, and Botswana’s minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale. The session will culminate in a Heads of State Summit on Friday, co-chaired by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and President Duma Gideon Boko.
Ramodimoosi expressed gratitude for Namibia’s hospitality and commended the country’s organisation of the meeting.
Ramodimoosi said the meeting offers an opportunity to evaluate progress since the midterm review held in Gaborone in July 2024.
“It is critical that we, as senior officials, resolve all problematic issues and not delegate work to our principals,” he said.
He urged both sides to finalise outstanding MoUs and agreements, emphasising their importance in strengthening bilateral ties.
He also highlighted the need for the BNC’s work to align with regional and global priorities, including industrialisation, energy transition, food security, and peacebuilding.
“The BNC should never be a talk show between our respective governments. Our compatriots must see the value and benefit of our cooperation,” Ramodimoosi said.
Established in January 2021, the BNC serves as the highest bilateral cooperation platform between Namibia and Botswana. It replaced the Joint Commission on Cooperation and the Joint Permanent Commission on Security and Defence.
The second session follows Nandi-Ndaitwah’s working visit to Botswana in May 2025.
The session will review progress across diplomatic, legal, economic, social, and security areas and consider new agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
