Niël Terblanché
The third session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by President Hage Geingob of Namibia and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, took place on October 13, 2023, in Windhoek, Namibia.
The meeting followed a ministerial gathering on October 12, 2023, and a senior officials’ meeting held from March 7 to March 9, 2023, setting the stage for constructive discussions and agreements.
The two Heads of State stressed the importance of nurturing the longstanding bilateral relations that exist between Namibia and South Africa. These relations are deeply rooted in historical bonds of solidarity, socio-economic connections, and shared cultural heritage.
Addressing the meeting, Presidents Geingob and Ramaphosa expressed their concern over the escalating Middle East conflict and the resultant suffering of thousands of people.
Both called for the urgent cessation of armed hostilities and the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical services to the affected Palestinians.
The leaders reiterated the necessity of implementing relevant United Nations resolutions to establish a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine within internationally recognized borders.
The Presidents acknowledged the broadening and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between their countries across various sectors, including diplomatic, political, legal, social, economic, defense, and security. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and consolidating this strategic partnership.
A significant development during the BNC was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education and Training, reflecting the commitment to advancing education in the region.
To ensure the timely realization of their shared goals, the Presidents directed relevant government offices and agencies to continue implementing signed agreements and expedite the conclusion of all outstanding legal and cooperation instruments. They also called for a Mid-Term Review (MTR) at the ministerial level to assess progress in implementing joint decisions.
During discussions on economic matters, the leaders addressed the Namibia-South Africa Business Forum and Exhibition. They welcomed the establishment of a financing facility to support industrial and productive development projects and the development of cross-border value chains between the two nations.
Additionally, they endorsed the creation of a Namibia-South Africa Business Council to promote bilateral trade, cooperative frameworks, and public-private sector dialogue, aiming to address trade and investment barriers and enhance regional value chains.
The Presidents expressed appreciation for South Africa’s support in drought relief efforts in Namibia. They highlighted progress made in installing boreholes and distributing maize as part of the relief package.
Climate change and its impact on natural resources, agriculture, and communities in the Southern African region were also discussed. Both leaders committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and emphasized the importance of renewable energy, green hydrogen, and environmentally friendly solutions for sustainable economic growth.
In the energy sector, the Presidents directed the conclusion of an agreement covering cooperation in green hydrogen, oil and gas, and electricity. They urged the international community to fulfill commitments to make green technologies accessible and affordable to developing countries.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the African Union’s Silencing of the Guns initiative and the implementation of Agenda 2063, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They called for reforming the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral institutions to better represent developing countries’ interests.
President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to President Geingob to attend the fourth Session of the Bi-National Commission, to be held in South Africa, at a date and time still to be determined.
The third Bi-National Commission meeting concluded on a positive note, reflecting the strong commitment to enhancing cooperation between Namibia and South Africa across various sectors, and the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
