In a significant stride towards bolstering regional economic ties, the presidents of Mozambique and Namibia have committed to forging a joint economic commission, signalling a new era of “economic diplomacy” between the two nations. This proactive move, announced on Monday by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo following a meeting with his Namibian counterpart, Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, aims to translate their historically strong political camaraderie into tangible economic benefits.
Speaking at a press conference in Maputo, President Chapo underscored the imperative for a robust economic partnership. “We have concluded that we need to strengthen economic diplomacy between the two countries so that the private sector in Mozambique and Namibia can further strengthen our relations of friendship and cooperation in the economic sphere,” he articulated, highlighting the shared vision for growth.
The envisioned joint economic commission will serve as a critical platform to assess the current economic landscape in both nations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation. President Chapo stressed the need for decisive action. “We have concluded that we must take action. We have already talked, we have already written, so we must take action and, therefore, we are going to organise a business forum between the two countries, involving the private sector, so that Mozambican and Namibian businesspeople can meet,” he revealed, pointing to an upcoming forum designed to foster direct engagement between entrepreneurs.
President Chapo lauded the visit by President Nandi-Ndaitwa as “extremely positive,” a sentiment echoed by the Namibian leader. President Nandi-Ndaitwa, in turn, passionately articulated the shared ambition for financial independence. “From a political point of view, Namibia and Mozambique are at their best in terms of cooperation. But today, here and now, we need to do the same with economic independence, with the economic struggle,” she declared, underscoring a shift in focus towards economic empowerment.
By July, both nations are expected to have a clear roadmap for deepening their economic collaboration. The joint commission’s mandate will be far-reaching, tasked with scrutinising various sectors, including energy, trade, transport, mineral resources, agriculture, and tourism.
President Nandi-Ndaitwa’s working visit to Mozambique, which commenced on Sunday, included a tour of the Maputo thermoelectric power station, as confirmed by a statement from the Mozambique Electricity Company (EDM). This visit, emblematic of the renewed push for economic synergy, sets the stage for a collaborative future where political goodwill translates into shared prosperity for the people of Mozambique and Namibia.
