SA Cabinet hails Namibia talks
South Africa's Cabinet has welcomed the outcomes of the fourth South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission, held in Pretoria on 17 July.
The meeting was co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibia's President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The commission reaffirmed the strategic relationship between the two neighbours and advanced cooperation across several priority sectors. Both leaders pointed to the historic ties forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid, and said they were satisfied with the continued growth of political, economic, social and cultural relations.
"Of particular significance is the commitment to closer collaboration in the exploration and utilisation of natural resources, which will support economic development and growth in both countries," South Africa's minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said.
In a joint communiqué, the two presidents reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and pledged to deepen economic cooperation. They agreed to promote trade and investment, strengthen cross-border value chains, encourage private-sector partnerships, and pursue joint industrial development and mineral beneficiation.
Mining, petroleum and natural gas featured prominently in the talks. The two countries committed to expanding cooperation across mineral and energy value chains, with greater emphasis on exploration, research, technology, skills development, local value addition and beneficiation. The aim is to support industrialisation, economic diversification, energy security and job creation.
The leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy and regional energy security, and committed to accelerating implementation of the Kudu Gas Power Project.
Transport and logistics were identified as critical enablers of regional trade. The presidents reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and other transport links connecting South Africa, Namibia and the wider region.
Further areas of cooperation include water resource management, agriculture and food security, public health, skills development, and public-sector capacity building.
Namibia also expressed support for South Africa's hosting of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for August. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together within SADC, the African Union and other multilateral forums to promote regional peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development.
The commission concluded with the signing of seven bilateral agreements, 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 South Africa–Namibia Business Forum, describing it as a strategic public-private platform for expanding economic cooperation.
The agreements are expected to strengthen practical collaboration between the neighbours and support shared economic growth.
