Johannesburg: South Africa and Namibia have been urged to accelerate cooperation in the energy and mining sectors to unlock the economic potential of recent oil and gas discoveries and deepen regional integration. Delivering opening remarks at the Senior Officials' Meeting of the Fourth Session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria on Tuesday, South African Co-Chair Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo emphasized the need for greater emphasis on strengthening the economic dimension of their bilateral relationship.
According to South African Government News Agency, Seokolo called for identifying high-impact priority projects capable of advancing trade, investment, industrial development, and shared prosperity. The meeting brings together senior officials from both countries to assess progress made since the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission, held in Namibia in October 2023, and prepare for the fourth session.
Seokolo stated that the meeting follows a successful Midterm Review held in South Africa in November 2025, confirming that while considerable progress had been made in implementing bilateral commitments, more work was needed. He urged the officials to use the meeting to build on the progress achieved, address areas where implementation has been slower than anticipated, and inject greater momentum into the bilateral programme of cooperation.
Seokolo highlighted the cooperation in mineral, petroleum, and gas resources as a priority, noting the vast economic potential of the Orange Basin, which stretches offshore between South Africa and Namibia. He congratulated Namibia on its recent oil and gas discoveries and noted the country's exceptional exploration success with 15 of the 17 wells drilled in Namibia's Orange Basin between February 2022 and mid-2026 resulting in commercial discoveries.
Seokolo indicated that the geological formations associated with Namibia's discoveries extend into South African waters, presenting an opportunity for the two countries to establish a regional energy corridor. He also underscored opportunities for collaboration in the mining sector, mentioning the shared deposits of critical minerals such as rare earth minerals, uranium, copper, lithium, graphite, and manganese.
Finalizing a memorandum of understanding on geology and mining would provide a framework for technical cooperation, data sharing, and investment promotion, according to Seokolo. He also called for accelerated efforts to maximize the potential of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor as a strategic trade and transport route that would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and expand intra-regional trade.
Seokolo expressed confidence that the discussions would lay the foundation for a successful Fourth Session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission and an even stronger partnership between the two countries.
