Joseph Isangura
On her first official state visit to Tanzania since assuming office, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Tanzania, focusing on shared growth, investment opportunities, and job creation.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who made history as the first female head of state in Namibia earlier this year, met with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at Ikulu, the official State House in Dar es Salaam. Their meeting centered on unlocking new areas of cooperation, including trade, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, the blue economy, and oil and gas exploration.
“This visit is more than just diplomatic—it is strategic,” said President Nandi-Ndaitwah during a joint press briefing. “We are looking to transform our long-standing friendship into tangible economic outcomes that benefit our people—especially the youth.”
She added that a delegation of Namibian officials from the ministries of trade, industry, and investment will soon visit Tanzania to explore development programs, industrial projects, and cross-sectoral initiatives.
According to President Hassan, trade between the two countries has shown a steady upward trajectory—from TZS 17 billion in 2019 to nearly TZS 20 billion (approximately USD 7.7 million) in 2023. While still modest, both leaders agreed there’s ample room to expand this volume through focused collaboration.
“We see potential in livestock, fisheries, energy, and culture,” President Hassan stated. “We also look forward to introducing Swahili in Namibian schools as part of strengthening cultural and linguistic exchange.”
This visit also carried a strong emotional tone. President Nandi-Ndaitwah praised Tanzania’s historical support during Namibia’s liberation struggle against South African apartheid rule, acknowledging the country’s role in providing shelter, training, and solidarity to Namibian freedom fighters.
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During her two-day stay, the Namibian leader is scheduled to tour the African Liberation Heritage Centre, an important site preserving Africa’s decolonization history. She will also speak at the University of Dar es Salaam in a lecture titled “Inspiring Women to Break Barriers in Leadership Positions: A Personal Experience.” The event is expected to draw students, women leaders, and scholars interested in the evolving role of African women in governance and politics.
Tanzania and Namibia have long shared historical, political, and cultural ties, dating back to the liberation movements of southern Africa. This visit is a clear signal that both countries now aim to transform that legacy into a forward-looking economic alliance.
Both heads of state agreed to establish joint working groups that will assess priority projects, streamline trade logistics, and foster partnerships between the private sectors of both nations. Annual reviews are expected to track progress on bilateral initiatives.
With the rising global importance of African cooperation and South-South collaboration, this renewed partnership marks a turning point—moving beyond historical camaraderie to embrace future-focused strategies.
