By Sostenus Wilherm
Namibia and Tanzania have agreed to elevate their long-standing political relationship into a stronger economic partnership, with Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Samia Suluhu Hassan committing to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, mining, infrastructure and regional integration.
The commitment was made during high-level bilateral talks at Ikulu State House in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, where the two leaders stressed that the historic solidarity forged during Africa’s liberation struggle should now translate into tangible economic opportunities for citizens in both countries.
The talks culminated in the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering trade, agriculture, defence and the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
This laid laying the groundwork for increased commercial cooperation and cross- border investment.
Nandi-Ndaitwah echoed the sentiment, saying the global economic landscape demands stronger partnerships focused on production, trade and investment rather than historical ties alone.
“The purpose of my visit is to transform our long-standing political relationship into an economic partnership because that is what the world we live in today demands,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She added that the agreements signed during the visit should not remain on paper but must lead to practical outcomes that create jobs, attract investment and improve livelihoods.
Addressing the Tanzania and Namibia Business and Investment Forum, she urged businesses from both countries to move beyond dialogue and seize available opportunities.
“We must move from opportunities to production, from discussions to action, and build partnerships that create jobs and development for our people. The renewed partnership in Namibia aligns with broader efforts to diversify export markets and strengthen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Increased collaboration with Tanzania could open new markets for Namibian products and creating opportunities for joint investments in value addition, industrialisation as well as logistics.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah also stressed the importance of strengthening production within Africa, arguing that the continent should reduce its dependence on exporting raw materials while importing finished goods. She said African countries should work together to build industries that add value to their natural resources, creating employment and retaining more wealth within the continent.
Hassan said the time had come for the strong political relationship between the two countries to produce measurable economic benefits.
“We have spoken a lot about our historical relationship; now it is time for that relationship to bring economic benefits to all of us,” Hassan said.
She highlighted the country’s strategic position as a regional transport hub and gateway to several landlocked countries, creating opportunities for Namibian businesses seeking access to East African markets.
