•  By Staff Reporter

Namibia’s President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has concluded back-to-back diplomatic engagements in Botswana and Zambia, in a continuation of her regional outreach since assuming office in March 2025. The working visits, held from 15 to 16 May, form part of a strategic recalibration of Windhoek’s foreign policy posture, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and accelerating economic cooperation across Southern Africa.

In Gaborone, Nandi-Ndaitwah met with her Botswana counterpart, Advocate Duma Boko, marking their second high-level interaction in less than two months. The talks underscored the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations, which are maintained at the elevated level of a bi-national commission. 

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic integration, with a particular focus on infrastructure development, trade facilitation and job creation.

Namibia and Botswana, whose historical bonds stem from liberation-era solidarity and enduring socio-cultural linkages, are prioritising joint infrastructural undertakings. These include the upgrading of the Trans-Kalahari and Mamuno Border Posts and enhanced collaboration on the Trans-Kunene Corridor. 

The corridor, a critical component of regional logistics infrastructure, links Namibia’s Walvis Bay Port to key economic zones in Angola and beyond. Further cooperation is anticipated in the energy sector, notably through the joint development of the Mohembo–Katima Mulilo and Gaborone–Kudzanai–Katima Mulilo transmission lines. 

These projects are expected to contribute to cross-border electrification initiatives and long-term energy security in the region. 
Nandi-Ndaitwah proceeded to Lusaka where she held her inaugural meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. Their discussions covered a broad spectrum of shared interests, ranging from agriculture and mining to health, education, transport and investment. 

During her visit, Nandi-Ndaitwah participated in a symbolic street renaming ceremony in Lusaka, where Kasama Street was renamed in honour of Dr Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding President, and Sadzu Street in tribute to the late Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob, Namibia’s third President. 

To further streamline trade, the two nations signed a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a one-stop border post at Katima Mulilo, expected to reduce transit times and logistical bottlenecks.

•  The Southern African Times