Joseph Isangura
Tanzania and Namibia are taking concrete steps to elevate their economic collaboration, building on decades of diplomatic friendship.
This renewed focus was solidified during a state visit by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who met with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
While their political and cultural ties have historically been strong, both leaders admitted that trade and economic engagement remain underdeveloped. President Samia noted, “We’ve made significant strides in areas such as education, diplomacy, and security cooperation. But economically, we are yet to reach our full potential.”
The leaders emphasized the urgent need to diversify and strengthen bilateral trade, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, energy, and manufacturing. President Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia would soon send a high-level delegation of ministers and technical experts to explore joint economic opportunities in Tanzania.
Tanzania and Namibia are both members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional bloc aiming to advance sustainable economic growth and socio-political stability in Southern Africa. Both nations have been working to align with broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives, which aim to facilitate free trade and intra-African investment.
According to recent trade statistics, economic exchange between the two countries stood at around TZS 20 billion (approximately $7.6 million USD) in 2023 — a modest figure considering the available opportunities. The leaders believe that enhancing business-to-business collaboration and removing trade barriers could help double that volume in the near future.
During her tour, President Nandi-Ndaitwah also visited the African Liberation Heritage Centre, a historic landmark that played a key role during Namibia’s liberation struggle. She paid homage to the support Namibia received from Tanzania during its fight for independence — a gesture that deeply resonated with many in the audience.
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She later addressed students and staff at the University of Dar es Salaam, where she gave a keynote lecture on the importance of youth involvement in leadership and regional integration. The university, one of East Africa’s most prestigious institutions, has long served as a hub for intellectual and political movements in the region.
Experts say this state visit could mark a turning point in Tanzania-Namibia relations. By shifting focus toward economic diplomacy, the two nations are not only enhancing trade but also reinforcing their commitment to Pan-Africanism — the belief in a united and self-reliant Africa.
“This isn’t just about trade figures,” one analyst told local media. “It’s about deepening people-to-people ties, creating jobs, and building regional supply chains that reduce dependency on external markets.”
President Samia concluded the bilateral session by calling for more active participation from the private sector and emphasized the role of women and youth in regional trade and innovation. “We’re opening a new chapter — one based on economic inclusion, trust, and mutual growth,” she said.
