Hichilema commends Namibia’s democratic transition, as both leaders commit to strengthening bilateral ties

President Hakainde Hichilema has commended Namibia for its unwavering commitment to democracy and peaceful transitions of power, following the country’s successful general elections in November, 2024.

According to a communique issued in Lusaka on Friday, President Hichilema also expressed appreciation to the Namibian government for the gift of a dry port in Walvis Bay, which had significantly enhanced Zambia’s import and export logistics.

The two Heads of State reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Zambia and Namibia, grounded in shared values, culture, and a common history of the region’s liberation struggle.

“They committed to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest to achieve their respective developmental goals,” the communique read.

Discussions between President Hichilema and Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah focused on economic cooperation, infrastructure, energy, logistics, and transport. Particular emphasis was placed on the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC) and the Katima Mulilo–Sesheke Border Post.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to operationalizing the Trans-Zambezi Caprivi Railway Line, a key project for enhancing cross-border trade and facilitating the transportation of goods through the Walvis Bay port.

On the WBNLDC, they underscored the need for a permanent corridor secretariat with robust governance and funding mechanisms to improve coordination, engage the private sector, and ensure effective performance monitoring.

The two presidents also agreed to establish a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Katima Mulilo–Sesheke border, currently a major trade bottleneck due to duplicated customs and immigration procedures.

Additionally, the leaders emphasized the importance of the Namibia-Zambia Oil Products and Natural Gas Pipeline (NAZOP), calling for its swift implementation through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks of both countries, in line with the 2022 MoU.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked President Hichilema and the Zambian people for the warm hospitality extended to her delegation and for honoring Namibia’s founding father, Dr. Sam Nujoma, and former President Dr. Hage Geingob.

She also extended an invitation to President Hichilema for a reciprocal visit to Namibia at a mutually agreed date.

President Hichilema, in turn, expressed gratitude to President Nandi-Ndaitwah for honoring his invitation, describing the visit as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah undertook a two-day working visit to Zambia from May 15 to 16, 2025, accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, National Planning Commission Director General Dr. Kaire Mbuende, and other senior officials.

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