The President of Namibia stated in the capital of Angola the urgent need to complete a cross-border water project intended to support the agricultural sector of both countries and promote agricultural development in the arid regions of Namibia.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, speaking alongside her Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, during her first state visit to the neighboring country, discussed the expansion of the Kafue water project in Kunene Province (Angola) into Namibian territory, as well as the commissioning of the Kalukuwe water intake station, also located in Kunene.
The President of Namibia emphasized that agriculture is a priority, and together with Angola, they aim to invest in the agrarian sector and agricultural product processing to ensure food security and create jobs for the population.
The head of state of Namibia also noted that the proposal to build a railway line between Oshikango (Namibia) and Santa Clara (Angola) will improve transport connectivity, reduce transportation costs, and facilitate the free movement of goods between the two states.
She stressed the importance of directing institutions to continue implementing these initiatives through technical exchange and the development of technical plans to ensure their execution. Furthermore, the President of Namibia pointed out the need to pay attention to cross-border trade and issues arising along the common border, which can increase business costs and limit opportunities, especially for small traders.
According to Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, the conclusion of bilateral agreements marks a significant step towards strengthening energy security and promoting sustainable economic development not only for Namibia and Angola but for the entire Southern African region.
She continued that the implementation of the Beines project (which includes the construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the Kunene River) will make the industrialization of the southern region a reality, insisting that its implementation must be a priority and an imperative within the established timeframe.
Both countries identified education, healthcare, sports, infrastructure, housing, and logistics as priority areas for cooperation, but added that 'all this can only be realized with sufficient energy and water.'