STAFF WRITER
President Netumbo Nandi – Ndaitwah says infrastructure and energy cooperation will take the centre stage in future Namibia and Angola engagements as the two countries accelerate efforts for industrialisation and development.
Speaking at the ongoing Namibia -Angola Bi- annual commission in Luanda in Lunda on Monday, President Nandi Ndaitwah underscored the importance of urgently finalising the transboundary water projects.
She said Namibia and Angola need to translate their deep history rooted in liberation struggle history into tangible and sustainable socio-economic benefits that serve our people better.
She said the efforts made by Angolans to assist Namibia break the yoke of colonial bondage should contribute meaningfully to poverty reduction, address high levels of inequality, and create decent employment opportunities and support economic
advancement that enhances the well-being of our peoples.
“The proposed railway extension from Oshikango to Santa Clara could improve connectivity, reduce transport costs and facilitate the smooth movement of goods between our countries.Accordingly, it is critical that our respective institutions be directed to continue advancing these initiatives through coordinated technical engagement and practical plans to ensure their implementation,” she said.
Nandi- Ndaitwa said the two countries should also pay attention to cross-border trade and the challenges along our common border. She highlighted delays, administrative procedures, transport constraints and other operational difficulties can increase the cost of doing business and limit opportunities, particularly for small-scale traders.
“Strengthening cooperation among our customs, immigration and other border authorities, improving information-sharing and facilitating legitimate trade should
therefore remain priorities. Our common border should serve as a bridge to economic opportunity rather than a barrier to commerce,” the pPresident said
The President said the Lobito Refinery offers the two countries an opportunity to explore mutually beneficial cooperation in petroleum products, logistics, storage and distribution, subject to commercial viability.
“While the Beynes Hydropower once implemented the industrialisation in our region will no longer be a vision but a reality. In this regard, it is important that the relevant institutions and implementing entities in both countries ensure the timely and effective implementation of these projects, in strict compliance with the timelines and obligations set out in the relevant agreements,” Nandi – ndaitwah said
The President commended the ongoing cooperation between Namibia and Angola under the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation in the Oil and Natural Gas Sector, signed in 2022.
Shade said the partnership has provided Namibia with valuable opportunities to benefit from Angola’s experience, technical expertise and institutional capacity as Namibia continues to develop its nascent oil and gas industry. Namibia is looking
forward to the implementation of this instrument.
“Our plans to add value to our resources and to stop serving as extraction bases for markets afar are not misplaced. We are duty-bound to chart a new path for our citizens, one in which we do not find ourselves perpetually constrained by the current international financial architecture,” she said
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