PRETORIA -Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conducted high-level visits across Southern and Eastern Africa to transform strong political ties into sustainable economic partnerships.
Her recent trips to Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana focused on strengthening cooperation in energy, trade and transport to boost economic growth and raise living standards across the region.
The visits come as Namibia is positioning itself as a regional logistics and energy hub.
Energy development featured prominently.
While in Mozambique, President Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the Maputo Thermal Power Plant and met with officials to discuss areas of potential technical cooperation, including infrastructure and industrial development.
Talks with Zambia highlighted the potential regional benefits of developing a refinery in Namibia following recent oil discoveries, with both sides recognizing its importance for broader energy security and economic growth.
Namibia and Botswana agreed to explore the feasibility of a joint oil refinery to serve both countries and the wider region. The talks also focused on expanding cooperation in infrastructure, trade and energy, with a shared emphasis on job creation and long-term economic growth.
Trade and transport were also key priorities.
In Mozambique, the two delegations identified cooperation in agriculture, transport and logistics as strategic areas, supporting Namibia’s role in strengthening regional connectivity.
Namibia and Zambia discussed the need to upgrade and modernize infrastructure along their shared border, including improvements at Katima Mulilo, to ease trade and facilitate the movement of goods and services.
The leaders highlighted the strategic importance of the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi Development Corridor and directed officials to address potential bottlenecks.
They also noted ongoing upgrades along the Livingstone–Sesheke–Katima Mulilo route, a key artery for regional trade.
Nandi-Ndaitwah and Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko agreed to consolidate bilateral cooperation on joint infrastructure, including the upgrading of the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line and scaling up imports through the Port of Walvis Bay.
Alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area
These regional engagements support the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana working together to advance trade integration and economic cooperation across the continent.
In April, Mozambique launched its first export shipment under the free trade agreement, marking a significant step in implementing the pact.
The engagements also reflect a wave of relatively new leadership across the region, with presidents in Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Botswana all having assumed office in recent years.
This political renewal may generate a fresh momentum for economic cooperation and regional integration.
Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Zimbabwe on Tuesday, and her next destination is Tanzania.
