Pretoria: 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.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefed the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. The Bi-National Commission reaffirmed the strategic nature of South Africa-Namibia relations and advanced cooperation between the two countries in priority sectors. The Minister highlighted the commitment to closer collaboration in the exploration and utilisation of natural resources, aimed at supporting economic development and growth in both nations.
In a joint communiqu© issued after the meeting, the two Presidents reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. They reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of cooperation, committing to further strengthen political, economic, social, and cultural relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
The leaders also voiced their commitment to enhancing cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and other multilateral forums, focusing on advancing regional peace, security, economic integration, and sustainable development. Namibia expressed support for South Africa as host of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2026.
Recognising their geographical proximity, economic interdependence, and complementary resource endowments, the Presidents agreed to intensify economic cooperation. They planned 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 two countries agreed to deepen collaboration in the mining, petroleum, and natural gas sectors by expanding cooperation across mineral and energy value chains. The partnership will focus on exploration, research, technology, skills development, local value addition, and beneficiation to support industrialisation, economic diversification, energy security, and employment creation.
Energy cooperation was a prominent topic during the discussions, with agreements to strengthen collaboration in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy, and regional energy security. The leaders also committed to accelerating the 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 governments also agreed to enhance 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 concluded with the signing of seven bilateral agreements and instruments of cooperation covering employment and labour, public administration capacity building, bilateral air services, legal cooperation, correctional services, an economic partnership agreement, and gender equality and women's empowerment.
The Heads of State welcomed the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum, describing it as a strategic public-private partnership platform designed to promote greater economic cooperation between the two countries.
