Namibian President Urges Industrial Shift in South Africa Trade

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia called for a strategic overhaul of the trade relationship between Namibia and South Africa during the South Africa–Namibia Business Forum in Midrand. Speaking as part of the Namibia–South Africa Bi-National Commission, she urged both nations to move away from traditional patterns where Namibia exports raw materials and imports manufactured goods.

Nandi-Ndaitwah advocated for joint investments in industrialization, value addition, and regional manufacturing to drive inclusive economic growth. She specifically identified green hydrogen, oil and gas, agriculture, and transport logistics as priority areas for collaboration, highlighting the port of Walvis Bay as strategic infrastructure.

The president encouraged businesses from both countries to establish operations in each other's markets and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to create regional value chains and jobs. The forum was attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other high-ranking officials, including South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau and Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.