Botswana’s president’s official visit to Namibia provided an opportunity to deepen existing cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration. His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, the president of the Republic of Botswana, was the keynote speaker at the official opening of the 2024 Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX) which took place at the Vineta Sports Stadium in Swakopmund. His visit included official talks with His Excellency President Nangolo Mbumba.
Describing the bond between Botswana and Namibia as a “special relationship”, Masisi said it stems from profound values, traditions and historic ties which both countries cherish and uphold.
“It is only fitting that this robust neighbourly collaboration be supported by bilateral agreements spanning multiple sectors such as agriculture, water, defence and security, as well as transportation and logistics,” said Masisi.
The Botswana president strongly believes that the dry port facility at Walvis Bay, together with the recently signed agreement allowing citizens from both countries to travel between the nations using only national identity cards, which aligns with the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons, hold significant potential for deepening bilateral cooperation. He noted, however, that the two countries are yet to fully tap into bilateral economic prospects.
“In 2023 Botswana exported goods worth US$60.9 million to Namibia. Diamond exports constituted 48% of this total, with coal and electrical cables making up 10% and 5% respectively. Additional notable exports from Botswana to Namibia encompass passenger vehicles and fibre-optic cables,” the president said.
Areas for further collaboration
With Namibia procuring livestock vaccines from the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), Masisi said it offers an opportunity for the two countries to conduct coordinated foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccination campaigns and to ensure the surveillance of FMD.
“Both countries share common strengths in areas such as animal disease control protocols, range management practices, abattoir and meat hygiene practices, and wildlife conservation strategies,” said Masisi. He further stressed the importance of the current distinctive provision of tourism experiences offered by the nations, suggesting joint marketing efforts to extract more value from tourism endeavours.
The Botswana president also expressed interest in the energy sector, where Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) already initiated discussions with the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) to explore possibilities for cooperation in establishing shared fuel storage facilities at Walvis Bay in the Erongo Region, which include joint efforts for fuel transportation and coordinated approaches towards sourcing oil from Angola.
Welcoming Masisi’s contributions, President Nangolo Mbumba shared the two countries’ long-standing history, calling for continued dialogue to enhance the effectiveness of policies in developing both nations and improving the living conditions of the people. Mbumba said, “In the area of cross-border trade we continue to make progress. Our government donated a piece of land at the Port of Walvis Bay to Botswana to construct a dry port and make Botswana sea linked. This was done not only as a gesture of goodwill, but to facilitate imports and exports of goods and services.”
On border security, Mbumba stressed the importance of promoting peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness along the common border. “Our cooperation in defence and security matters is crucial for addressing transnational threats such as terrorism, organised crime and illicit trafficking. By enhancing our security cooperation, we can better protect our citizens and contribute to a safer and more stable southern Africa,” said Mbumba. Looking forward to building on the progress achieved, Mbumba reassured that Namibia remains a steadfast friend and partner of Botswana and looks forward to continued dialogue and collaboration to achieve common goals.
Maggie Forcelledo Paz
