Trade between Namibia and South Africa grew to N$67.1 billion for both import and export last year, an increase from N$59.1 billion recorded in 2021, as the two countries continue to harness good partnerships, an official has said.
South Africa is Namibia’s main trading partner due to the two countries’ economic integration and geographic location.
“Namibia’s exports to South Africa stood at N$16.8 billion in 2022, compared to N$13.5 billion recorded in 2021. Furthermore, Namibia’s imports from South Africa were valued at N$45.6 billion and N$50.3 billion in 2021 and 2022 respectively; representing an increase in both exports and imports of 24.2 and 10.3 percent respectively,” said Presidential spokesperson Dr Alfredo Hengari.
Hengari highlighted some of the topical issues to be deliberated on, as President Hage Geingob heads on a state visit to South Africa upon invitation by his South African counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Geingob left Wednesday and is expected to return on Saturday, and this is the first state visit in 11 years.
“The visit is expected to further strengthen the already existing bilateral relations. While in addition to discussions on issues such as the Orange River Border question, the Southern African Customs Union, the two heads of state will deliberate on regional, continental and international issues of mutual concern, said Hengari.
“The state visit is expected to afford Namibia and South Africa an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance economic cooperation; explore trade and investment, and also identify new areas of cooperation in the fields of Green Hydrogen, including the Oil and Gas sectors,” he stressed.
In addition, Hengrari said the transformation of the Heads of State Economic Forum into the Bi-National Commission has also provided an impetus to further enhance bilateral cooperation and a platform to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and concern at the regional level.
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