Given the shared geology and geographical proximity between South Africa and Namibia, there is a compelling case for closer collaboration in exploration, infrastructure development, skills development and investment promotion.

This was noted by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission (BNC) on July 17, co-chaired by Ramaphosa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

As the world increasingly looked to Africa for the critical minerals, energy resources, agricultural potential and strategic partnerships that would shape the industries of the future, Ramaphosa argued that Africa had become central to the future of the global economy.

“South Africa and Namibia have both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure that our natural endowments become engines of industrialisation, innovation, skills development and decent work,” he said.

Hence, he emphasised the importance of building regional value chains and of processing, refining, manufacturing and innovating in Southern Africa, creating value for local economies.

“There are boundless opportunities before us,” the President said, highlighting that the Orange basin was emerging as one of the world’s most promising new energy frontiers.

He argued that the Orange basin’s development presents both countries with an opportunity to establish an integrated regional energy economy encompassing exploration, engineering, refining, petrochemicals, logistics, maritime services and advanced manufacturing.

Moving on to green hydrogen, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s Boegoebaai deepwater port and Green Hydrogen Development Programme also present an important opportunity for collaboration in building a globally competitive green industrial corridor linking the two countries.

In mining, he noted that Namibia’s expanding portfolio of critical minerals presented opportunities for joint exploration, geological mapping, scientific research and downstream beneficiation, adding that finalising the memorandum of understanding between Namibia and South Africa on geology and mining would provide an important framework for this work.

He thus argued that the respective geoscience councils in both countries should work closely together in undertaking joint scientific assessments and unlocking new investment opportunities.

Moreover, Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance of trade and investment in the relationship between Namibia and South Africa.

“South Africa welcomes the growing presence of South African companies investing in Namibia and equally encourages greater Namibian investment into South Africa.

“We should actively encourage partnerships between our private sectors, development finance institutions and State-owned enterprises. Together, we can identify bankable projects in infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital technologies,” Ramaphosa said.

The president argued that removing unnecessary barriers to trade, improving border efficiency and strengthening transport corridors would be essential in realising the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He added that within the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community and the African Union (AU), South Africa and Namibia remained steadfast in advancing regional integration and the aspirations of the AU's Agenda 2063.

Ramaphosa also acknowledged the issue of migration as a shared continental challenge requiring shared continental solutions.

“South Africa remains committed to enforcing its immigration laws firmly, fairly and consistently, while upholding the constitutional values and human dignity that define our democracy.

“We believe that sustained dialogue, enhanced border cooperation, orderly labour mobility and inclusive economic development remain the most effective long-term responses to migration pressures across our continent,” he said.