Namibia: Namibia, Congo Move Beyond Trade Rhetoric
Namibia and Congo aim to strengthen trade and investment ties despite a history of strong political connections.
Namibia and the Republic of Congo have a deep-rooted historical and political relationship, yet the actual trade and investment activities between them are significantly lagging behind expectations. At the 5th Session of the Namibia-Congo Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation held in Windhoek, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, the trade and international relations executive director, expressed concerns over the disappointing levels of economic cooperation. She emphasized the need to transform their strong political ties into tangible economic benefits that would positively affect both nations.
During her remarks, Nghipondoka-Robiati called for actionable steps that would enhance collaboration in critical sectors, urging both governments to convert their friendship and agreements into practical outcomes. She noted that, although the bilateral relationship is supportive and historically grounded in solidarity stemming from Namibia's liberation struggle, these sentiments alone are insufficient to drive investment and trade.
The leaders discussed potential strategies and sectoral experiences that could be beneficial for both nations, highlighting the importance of sharing best practices to ensure a fruitful partnership. Addressing these issues is crucial as both countries seek to maximize the advantages of their geopolitical proximity and historical ties, aiming to foster a more synergistic economic relationship moving forward.