Cabinet has welcomed the successful conclusion of the fourth South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission, held in Pretoria on 17 July 2026, and co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Briefing media on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the Bi-National Commission reaffirmed the strategic nature of South Africa- Namibia relations and advanced cooperation between the two countries in priority sectors.
“Of particular significance is the commitment of closer collaboration in the exploration and utilisation of natural resources, which will support economic development and growth in both countries,” the Minister said in Pretoria on Thursday.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the two Presidents reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
“The two Presidents reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of cooperation between the two countries. They reiterated their commitment to further strengthening political, economic, social and cultural relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples,” the joint communiqué said.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and other multilateral forums, while advancing regional peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development.
Namibia also expressed its support for South Africa as host of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2026.
Recognising the geographical proximity, economic interdependence and complementary resource endowments of the two countries, the Presidents agreed to intensify economic cooperation.
“They agreed to promote greater trade and investment, strengthen cross-border value chains, facilitate private-sector partnerships and pursue opportunities for joint industrial development and beneficiation,” the joint communiqué said.
The two countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in the mining, petroleum and natural gas sectors by expanding cooperation across mineral and energy value chains.
The communiqué said the partnership would place greater emphasis on exploration, research, technology, skills development, local value addition and beneficiation to support industrialisation, economic diversification, energy security and employment creation.
Energy cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen collaboration in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy and regional energy security.
They also committed to accelerating implementation of the Kudu Gas Power Project.
Transport and logistics were identified as critical enablers of trade, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and other transport links connecting South Africa, Namibia and the broader Southern African region.
The two governments also agreed to strengthen cooperation in water resource management, agriculture and food security, public health, skills development and public-sector capacity building to improve resilience, service delivery and socio-economic development.
The Commission culminated in the signing of seven bilateral agreements and instruments of cooperation covering:
• Employment and labour;
• Public administration capacity building between South Africa's National School of Government and Namibia's Institute of Public Administration and Management;
• Bilateral air services;
• Legal cooperation;
• Correctional services;
• An economic partnership agreement between the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and
• Gender equality and women's empowerment.
The two Heads of State also welcomed the convening of the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum, describing it as a strategic public-private partnership platform that will promote greater economic cooperation between the two countries. – SAnews.gov.za
