Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Namibia have embarked on a new chapter in their bilateral relations by agreeing to intensify strategic cooperation aimed at boosting the economic fortunes of both nations, with a strong focus on energy, trade, investment, and the blue economy.
This commitment was announced by the President Samia Suluhu Hassan, shortly after holding official talks with the President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was on a two-day state visit to Tanzania.
President Samia said the discussions revolved around strengthening economic cooperation, especially in light of the untapped potential that still exists between the two nations, despite the notable increase in bilateral trade, which grew from Sh17 billion in 2019 to Sh20 billion in 2023.
“Despite this growth, a significant gap remains in trade and capital cooperation. We have mutually agreed to take joint measures to bridge this gap,” President Samia said in a press briefing after the talks.
To that end, President Samia invited Namibian entrepreneurs and investors to actively participate in this year’s Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), portraying it as a critical platform for exchanging knowledge, networking, and exploring Tanzania’s myriad investment opportunities.
The two leaders further directed the relevant ministries to organise regular business and investment forums involving stakeholders from both countries, with the primary goal of nurturing deeper commercial ties and expanding investment portfolios.
In the energy sector, the heads of state reached a consensus to collaborate in the processing of oil and gas.
This, they noted, is a strategic move to ensure that natural resources are used effectively for the benefit of their people.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Namibia’s readiness to work closely with Tanzania in the energy space, particularly in light of her country’s status as the world’s third-largest holder of uranium reserves.
Both countries had resolved to seek effective avenues to enhance bilateral trade and facilitate the implementation of large-scale investment projects from either side.
In a press briefing issued by the Deputy Director of Presidential Communications, Mr Shaaban Kissu, the Tanzanian State House further explained that President Samia emphasised the critical role of the private sector in creating employment for youth and reducing poverty.
The statement said the two presidents also expressed a shared vision of expanding cooperation in key sectors such as education, tourism, environment, livestock, fisheries, and energy.
They emphasised the need for increased private sector involvement, noting that current levels of participation are insufficient to meet the vast opportunities available, it added.
In the presss briefing President Samia reiterated her call for Tanzanian and Namibian business communities to seize the moment and take advantage of the growing but still under-exploited trade potential.
She further invited Namibian private sector players to invest in value addition for livestock, fisheries, and tourism.
In the realm of education and cultural exchange, President Samia revealed plans for Tanzania and Namibia to collaborate in the teaching of Kiswahili.
This will be facilitated through a partnership between the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) and Namibia’s Triumphant College, as a means to strengthen people-to-people relations and social cohesion through language and cultural understanding.
President Samia concluded her remarks by assuring President Nandi-Ndaitwah of Tanzania’s unwavering commitment to remain a close partner and reliable advisor during her tenure.
She underscored the historical roots of the Tanzania–Namibia friendship and affirmed that the partnership would continue to grow for the benefit of present and future generations.
On her part, President Nandi-Ndaitwah disclosed that Namibia would soon dispatch its Ministers responsible for industry and trade to Tanzania.
The aim of the visit, she explained, is to acquire practical experience and learn from Tanzania’s development programmes, thereby strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Moreover, the two leaders acknowledged the critical importance of developing a diversified energy mix, which includes renewable energy and natural gas.
They agreed that such initiatives are essential for ensuring reliable energy access to support industrialisation and socioeconomic transformation across the Southern African region.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s visit symbolises the continued deepening of diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations — a relationship built on historical solidarity, mutual respect, and a shared vision for sustainable development.
As the engagements between Tanzania and Namibia move towards implementation, both administrations appear poised to translate words into action, setting a strong foundation for a future of inclusive growth and mutual prosperity.
