Zimbabwe and Namibia are deepening bilateral cooperation with renewed focus on the strategic development of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, calling on the private sector to take a leading role in regional infrastructure and trade facilitation.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, accompanied by First Gentleman Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, paid a courtesy visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Tuesday. The meeting aimed to solidify growing ties between the two nations.
Following their closed-door talks, President Mnangagwa praised the enduring partnership between Harare and Windhoek, emphasizing the importance of enhanced collaboration.
“We had fruitful discussions reaffirming the strong bond between Zimbabwe and Namibia,” said President Mnangagwa. “Our cooperation continues to grow across various sectors, and I am honoured by President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s visit, which reflects our shared commitment to regional development.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the Trans-Kalahari Corridor as a vital project for trade and regional integration. She urged private sector players from both nations and the wider Southern African region to actively invest in and utilize infrastructure such as dry ports and transport corridors.
“In our discussions, we focused on how best to facilitate trade between our two countries,” said President Nandi-Ndaitwah. “The Trans-Kalahari Corridor is critical in this regard, and we invite business leaders from across the region to make full use of such infrastructure to enhance commerce and development.”
She noted that Namibia has allocated dry ports to its landlocked neighbours, including Zimbabwe, with the intention of promoting private sector participation and economic growth.
“These facilities, though managed by governments, are meant for business use—to generate employment, drive inclusive economic development, and address inequality,” she said.
Zimbabwe currently makes use of the Walvis Bay Dry Port in Namibia, which serves as a gateway for trade and connectivity. Officials from both sides indicated plans to expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and other sectors.
The high-level engagement reinforces the shared vision of Zimbabwe and Namibia within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), supporting broader goals of regional and continental integration.