South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an array of agreements, numbering over 150, between South Africa and Namibia that aim to bolster the relations between these two Southern African nations.
The announcement was made during the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum held in Namibia, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in achieving common goals.
President Ramaphosa pointed out that the foundation of these agreements was laid following Namibian President Hage Geingob’s state visit to South Africa earlier this year. The forum serves as a culmination of the collective efforts to establish deeper cooperation and understanding, and the magnitude of these agreements is a testament to the dedication of both countries. “To have had up to 150-something areas of agreement is a truly outstanding feat…that is a result of real good hard work,” President Ramaphosa expressed.
Both nations have recognized the immense potential that can be harnessed through the African Continental Free Trade Area. This pact opens doors to establish South Africa and Namibia as industrializing powerhouses, not just within their borders but across the entire continent. The focus is on expanding trade between these two countries and with the rest of Africa, setting the stage for comprehensive economic growth.
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Four Pillars of Cooperation
The agreements bring to the forefront four key areas of cooperation, including green hydrogen,cross-border value chains, investment promotion and deeper private sector relations.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the collaborative efforts of both nations in pursuing Green Hydrogen projects. South Africa is in the final stages of crafting a Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, and Namibia is actively implementing its own green hydrogen strategy. The president underlined the possibility of positioning the west coast of the African continent as a pivotal green hydrogen region, presenting a unique opportunity for clean energy.
The South African leader also emphasized the collaborative potential between the two countries, stating that both nations have the “key elements of success”.
He said: “We have raw materials, ranging from critical minerals to agricultural raw materials. We have technology, capital, an increasingly skilled and educated workforce and infrastructure. A number of value chains can be identified.
“One of these relates to our use of critical minerals to ensure that manufacturing takes place on the African continent,” Ramaphosa added.
The leaders are actively encouraging higher levels of investment in each other’s economies. South Africa’s President called for Namibian businesses to expand into South Africa, and conversely, he extended an invitation to South African companies to explore opportunities in Namibia. The presidents further agreed to explore mechanisms to facilitate industrial and productive development projects in both countries, strengthening investment prospects.
Both leaders acknowledged the significance of bolstering private sector engagement and stimulating joint ventures. It was highlighted that Namibian businesses should reap benefits from South African firms operating in Namibia and vice versa.
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Promoting Dialogue and Joint Ventures
President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of creating platforms like the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum to enhance dialogue and foster cooperation within the private sectors of both countries. He noted that these forums are pivotal in translating the agreements into practical actions, strengthening the relationships between South Africa and Namibia. Additionally, President Ramaphosa announced two key decisions made at the Binational Commission: the deepening of cooperation to attract private sector investment and the establishment of a South Africa-Namibia Business Council, serving as a public-private sector platform to coordinate and streamline collaborative efforts.
Shaping a Bright Future
The agreements between South Africa and Namibia reflect a shared vision for regional prosperity, leveraging their unique strengths and resources to chart a path towards sustained economic growth. These partnerships underscore the spirit of collaboration and the determination to create a brighter future for both nations and the broader African continent.