President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for the removal of barriers hindering trade in cement and charcoal between Namibia and Botswana, saying that enhanced cross-border trade in these sectors could create jobs, boost exports, and strengthen regional integration under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking during the Second Session of the Namibia–Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Windhoek, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia places great importance on bilateral trade with Botswana, particularly in industries that support both countries’ rural and industrial economies.
“In this context, Namibia also attached great importance to our bilateral trade including trade in cement and charcoal. The Commission should look into the impediments surrounding trade in these products for mutual benefit,” she said.
The President noted progress since the inaugural BNC in 2022, including the establishment of the One Stop Border Post at Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno, the introduction of 24-hour border operations, and the use of national identity cards for cross-border travel.
She said these measures have significantly reduced transport costs and improved trade efficiency.
She also commended ongoing collaboration on the Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility study, which aims to connect Botswana’s mineral-rich regions to Namibia’s ports, strengthening trade and logistics within the region.
“These achievements exemplify our shared commitment to regional integration, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges, as envisioned in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s strategic industrialisation and economic diversification agendas,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
On economic matters, the President outlined Namibia’s development priorities under the Eighth Administration, including agriculture, youth empowerment, energy, and logistics, noting their alignment with Botswana’s Economic Transformation Programme.
She also praised the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) for its continued role in supplying Namibia with livestock vaccines, emphasising the importance of agricultural cooperation for food security and regional self-reliance.
“I mention this, as context for our shared ambitions, and to demonstrate that the thought-processes in Windhoek and in Gaborone are not far from each other,” she said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Botswana’s President Duma Boko witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors.
The agreements cover areas such as corrections and prisons management, energy resource development, police and security cooperation, and employment and labour relations.
Both countries also agreed to collaborate in health services, cultural exchange, and science, technology and innovation.
In addition, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed to allow for the gainful employment of spouses and dependents of diplomatic and consular staff, promoting stronger social and professional ties between the two nations.
