Namibia’s President Seeks Industrial Partnership with South Africa

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Namibia and South Africa to deepen economic ties by investing in industrialization and value addition during a business forum in Midrand, South Africa on Friday. She noted that while South Africa is Namibia’s largest trading partner, the current exchange of raw materials for finished goods is unsustainable.

Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted opportunities for Namibian investment in sectors like agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, particularly citing recent oil and gas discoveries and the green hydrogen program. She believes these areas could foster partnerships with South African investors focused on clean energy and battery mineral value chains.

The president emphasized the need for stable policies and environments conducive to investment, alongside skills development and technological advancements. She specifically called for reciprocal investment between businesses in both countries to bolster regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area and address poverty.