South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (R) and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (C) attend the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, July 17, 2026. (GCIS)

NNA News - South Africa and Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development and regional integration after signing seven agreements during the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission. The commission, held in Pretoria, was co-chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

According to a joint communiqué issued on Friday, the agreements cover employment and labour, public sector capacity building, bilateral air services, legal affairs, correctional services, and gender equality and women's empowerment. The two countries also signed an economic partnership agreement between the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen commercial cooperation between businesses in both countries. The leaders committed to increasing trade and investment, strengthening cross-border value chains, promoting private sector partnerships and supporting joint industrial development and local value addition.

The commission also identified mining, petroleum, natural gas and the broader energy sector as priority areas for future cooperation. The two countries agreed to explore opportunities in mineral exploration, skills development, research, technology and mineral beneficiation. Energy cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, with both governments reaffirming their commitment to expanding electricity generation and transmission, advancing renewable energy initiatives and strengthening regional energy security. The leaders also agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Kudu Gas Power Project.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (R) and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (C) attend the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, July 17, 2026. (GCIS)

To improve regional connectivity, South Africa and Namibia committed to strengthening the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and other transport networks by upgrading infrastructure, reducing logistical bottlenecks and facilitating the movement of goods and people across their shared region. Established in 2013, the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission serves as the primary mechanism for coordinating bilateral cooperation across economic, political and social sectors.