President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, yesterday urged Namibia and Angola to prioritise implementing bilateral agreements so they deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Angola-Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Luanda, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the two neighbouring countries must translate their historical ties into sustainable socio-economic benefits.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said a legal audit conducted in 2024 identified more than 60 bilateral agreements covering areas including trade, border management, infrastructure, water, energy and transport.
“Our people will not be impressed by the number of agreements we signed; they want to see a positive impact in their day-to-day lives.
Therefore, the weight and significance of this responsibility extend beyond the negotiation and signature phase to the fulfilment of the commitments undertaken under those agreements and to their measurable contribution to visible impact,” she said.
She noted that ministers and government officials from the two countries must ensure the commitments are fulfilled, adding that cooperation should contribute to poverty reduction, address inequality and create decent employment opportunities.
The Namibian leader also called for the urgent finalisation of transboundary water projects involving the extension of the Cafu Canal infrastructure into Namibia and the commissioning of permanent pumping stations at Calueque.
“This project offers scope for addressing water security challenges, supporting agricultural development in arid Namibia, a country known as the driest in sub-Saharan Africa,” she said.
The president also highlighted the proposed railway extension from Oshikango to Santa Clara in Angola, saying it could improve connectivity, reduce transport costs, and facilitate the movement of goods between the countries.
On cross-border trade, she said administrative delays, transport constraints and other operational difficulties increased business costs and limited opportunities, particularly for small-scale traders.
She further called for effective implementation of energy cooperation projects, including the Angola-Namibia Interconnector Project, and stronger collaboration in the oil and natural gas sector.
The decision to elevate bilateral relations and cooperation between Namibia and Angola to the level of a Bi-National Commission was taken on 14 July 2019.
Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed hope that the meeting would produce practical recommendations to address challenges facing the two countries and further strengthen bilateral relations.
– Nampa
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