Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for industrialization and value addition in Namibia-South Africa trade relations
via The Namibian3 min read
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Namibia and South Africa to transform their trade relationship by focusing on industrialization, value addition, and local production to create employment and boost their economies. Speaking at a business meeting between the two countries in Midrand, South Africa, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that while their political friendship is strong, it is time to leverage this relationship for economic benefit. She noted that South Africa is a key trading partner for Namibia, supplying goods, machinery, fuel, pharmaceuticals, and transport, while Namibia exports natural diamonds, fish, livestock, and agricultural products to South Africa. The President emphasized the need to change the current trade model where un-beneficiated raw materials are exported, and value-added products are imported. She stated that Namibia offers opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, oil and gas, fisheries, and transport, with some supported by the Mbaye port. Nandi-Ndaitwah also called on governments to maintain policies that support businesses and encourage enterprises to enhance skills, innovation, and job creation.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Namibia's national women's cricket team, the Capricorn Eagles, has begun the T20 Four Nations Tournament successfully, securing two wins to lead the standings. They defeated Tanzania by nine wickets on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they narrowly beat Uganda in a super over after the match ended in a tie. In the game against Uganda, Namibia scored 123/7, with Arrasta Diergaardt contributing 36 runs and Wilka Mwatile 22. Uganda matched Namibia's score, leading to a super over which Namibia won on the final ball, with Wilka Mwatile scoring crucial boundaries. Diergaardt was named player of the match for her all-round performance. Against Tanzania, captain Sune Wittmann led Namibia to victory with an unbeaten 53 runs, after bowlers Wilka Mwatile and Victoria Hamunyela restricted Tanzania to 95 all out. Wittmann dedicated her performance to her late father, noting his calm demeanor and support. The tournament continues with Tanzania playing Uganda and Namibia facing Hong Kong.
South Africa has secured an unbeatable 2-0 lead in their women's field hockey test series against Namibia after winning the first two matches in Cape Town. South Africa won the opening test 4-0, with goals from Kayle de Waal and Hannah Pearce, and another short corner goal by Pearce, along with a field goal by Ntsopa Mokoena. In the second test, South Africa won 2-0, with Pearce scoring from a short corner and De Waal adding a field goal. Namibia's coach Trevor Cormack praised his team's improved defense, noting they held out against South Africa's constant pressure and made more circle entries. South Africa's coach Zondi Inky expressed satisfaction with the result but highlighted a need for better conversion rates and more varied attacking options in the remaining two tests. The final two tests are scheduled for today at 17h00 and tomorrow at 14h00.
Must ReadNamibia has been chosen to host the headquarters of the inter-continental Global Water Partnership Organisation GWPO, following an 18-month competitive selection process. Alex Simalabwi, GWPO chief executive and global water partnership executive secretary, announced this on Wednesday at the 2026 commemoration of Africa Public Service Day in Swakopmund. He highlighted Namibia's professionalism, political stability, infrastructure, leadership, and extensive experience in water management within one of the world's driest regions as key factors in its selection. Simalabwi praised the Namibia Water Corporation as a leading water utility and recognized the Gammams Water Reclamation Plant in Windhoek as a global model for sustainable water supplies in water-scarce countries. He emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships and adopting integrated approaches for water security. The relocation of GWPO headquarters from Stockholm, Sweden, to Windhoek is expected to position Namibia as a global center for water dialogue, innovation, and knowledge sharing, creating employment opportunities, promoting skills development, and generating economic benefits. This move further solidifies Namibia's role as a global reference in water management and provides a platform to share its expertise internationally.