ANGIE SCHOLTZ
Following President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Tanzania in June, Future Media journalist Angie Scholltz (AS) spoke to Tanzanian High Commissioner to Namibia Cesar Waitara (CW) about growing bilateral relations, trade cooperation and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AS: The recent state visit was described as a turning point in Namibia-Tanzania relations. From your perspective, what are the most significant economic outcomes?
CW: Thank you very much. As you mentioned, the state visit took place from 19 to 22 June 2026. During the visit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Two of them focus on economic cooperation, namely trade and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We hope these agreements will help enhance trade between Namibia and Tanzania.
Bilateral trade was valued at around N$128 million in 2024, which both governments agree is well below its potential.
AS: What practical steps will be taken to increase that figure over the next few years, Ambassador?
CW: It is true that the current trade volume between Namibia and Tanzania is modest. It does not reflect the true potential of our two countries.
We have several strategies to boost trade. One is participation in international trade fairs. Here in Namibia, Tanzanian businesses, particularly women entrepreneurs, attend the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair every year, and we have seen the benefits of their participation.
Likewise, Namibian businesses participate in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, where they promote their products.
For your information, Windhoek Beer is very popular in Tanzania. I believe it is consumed more there than in Namibia because Tanzania has a population of nearly 70 million people, compared to Namibia’s roughly three million.
Another strategy is to hold business and investment forums that bring together companies from both countries to explore opportunities for cooperation.
We all know Namibia is doing very well in livestock. It is the only country in Africa with access to both the European and United States beef markets. Tanzania has the second-largest cattle population in Africa, but we do not yet have access to those markets because of the quality standards required. That is another area where we can cooperate.
AS: Which sectors offer the greatest opportunities for Namibian investors looking to expand into Tanzania?
CW: Livestock is one of the key sectors. Namibian investors are welcome to invest in the many ranches available in Tanzania.
Tourism is another promising sector. We encourage Namibian investors to explore opportunities both on the mainland and in Zanzibar.
We already know of two companies from Tanzania and two from Namibia working together to promote tourism in Europe, the United States and Asia. That shows there are many opportunities.
Tanzania has also invited Namibian businesses to invest in transport, logistics, agriculture, minerals and livestock.
AS: Are any of these sectors already attracting investment?
CW: At the moment, livestock and tourism have attracted the most interest from Namibian investors.
Investment opportunities in logistics, mining and other sectors remain open. Our doors are open to anyone who is serious about investing in Tanzania.
By investing in Tanzania, businesses gain access not only to the local market but also to the East African Community (EAC), which consists of countries including Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a market of more than 400 million people.
AS: How do you see the African Continental Free Trade Area helping Namibia and Tanzania deepen trade?
CW: I see it very positively.
African countries are now focusing more on trading with one another. In the past, the continent traded mostly with the rest of the world while overlooking opportunities within Africa.
Africa supplies many of the raw materials needed by industries around the world. We have now decided that we should not simply export raw materials. Instead, we should add value here in Africa and trade among ourselves.
I believe the AfCFTA provides another strong platform for Namibia and Tanzania to trade more freely.
AS: Looking at tourism and regional cooperation, the partnership between Swakopmund and Zanzibar is an interesting development. What economic benefits do you expect from this agreement?
CW: I am very optimistic about this agreement.
Zanzibar is an island, while Swakopmund is a coastal town. They have many similarities and can learn from each other in areas such as tourism marketing and visitor experiences.
Through this cooperation, I believe we will strengthen our tourism industries.
AS: Could we see joint tourism packages that encourage international visitors to experience both Namibia and Tanzania in a single trip?
CW: Yes, certainly.
The two companies from Namibia and the two from Tanzania are already working together to promote tourism abroad.
A visitor could begin their trip in Namibia, visit attractions across the country and then continue to Tanzania before returning home.
AS: MoUs are often signed, but implementation can be challenging. What mechanisms are in place to ensure these agreements produce tangible results?
CW: That is a very good question.
Sometimes agreements are signed and then forgotten. Our governments recognise that challenge and are addressing it through regular follow-up meetings.
For example, the Joint Permanent Commission between Tanzania and Namibia met in Namibia in 2023. During those meetings, we identify areas of cooperation, sign MoUs and then monitor their implementation.
We also conduct mid-term reviews to assess progress, identify challenges and address any problems.
This year, we will hold a mid-term review in Tanzania, likely in November, to assess both the MoUs signed in 2023 and those signed during the recent state visit.
AS: What milestones should businesses and the public expect to see over the next 12 months?
CW: They should expect stronger trade cooperation between Tanzania and Namibia.
We are already receiving many enquiries from Namibian investors and traders who want to do business in Tanzania. We are also receiving similar interest from Tanzanian businesses looking at Namibia.
That gives us confidence that the outcomes over the next 12 months will be very positive.
AS: Finally, what message would you like to send to Namibian businesses considering Tanzania as their next investment destination?
CW: Thank you very much.
I want to tell all Namibian investors and traders that they are welcome to invest and do business in Tanzania. Tanzania is their second home.
Our countries have a long history together dating back to the liberation struggle. That chapter is behind us. Today, we are focused on economic cooperation.
Tanzania offers opportunities in tourism, agriculture, mining, energy and many other sectors. Investors should also take advantage of our market of about 70 million people.
My fellow Namibians, you are most welcome to invest in Tanzania.
This interview was originally published by Future Media.
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