Tanzania and Namibia have embarked on a new chapter of cooperation aimed at transforming their long-standing liberation-era friendship into a partnership that delivers trade, investment, jobs, and economic opportunities for citizens in both countries.
The commitment was made on Saturday during a state visit by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who held talks with her host, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, at State House in Dar es Salaam.
The discussions culminated in a broad agreement to deepen economic cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, tourism, mining, oil and gas, education, health, aviation, youth development, culture and the blue economy.
President Samia said the two countries were determined to ensure that the strong political and historical ties forged during Africa’s liberation struggles translate into tangible economic benefits for ordinary citizens.
“We have spoken for many years about our historical relationship. The time has now come for that relationship to generate economic value for our people,” she said.
The President noted that although Tanzania and Namibia enjoy warm diplomatic relations and a shared liberation history, trade and investment flows between them remain far below their potential.
She said both governments are now focused on creating stronger business links capable of driving growth and employment.
For Tanzania, the expanded partnership presents opportunities to attract investment, increase exports and strengthen economic ties within the Southern African region, while opening new markets for Tanzanian businesses.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to Tanzania’s role in Namibia’s liberation struggle, describing the country as a trusted partner that helped shape many of the leaders who guided Namibia to independence.
She also commended Tanzania’s economic progress and political stability, saying the country has emerged as an important development partner within the Southern African Development Community region.
Under the new cooperation framework, Tanzania and Namibia will work together to expand investment and trade while sharing expertise in strategic sectors.
Tanzania also expressed interest in learning from Namibia’s experience in fisheries management and the blue economy, an area that has become increasingly important for economic growth and sustainable use of marine resources.
The two leaders further agreed to speed up the implementation of existing bilateral agreements, including efforts to improve air connectivity between the two countries and strengthen cooperation on regional and global issues.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, development of small and medium-sized enterprises, defence cooperation and a city partnership arrangement between Zanzibar and Swakopmund Municipality in Namibia.
The agreements are expected to provide a framework for increased collaboration between government institutions, businesses and local authorities while encouraging greater private sector participation.
Following their bilateral talks, the two presidents attended the Tanzania-Namibia Business and Investment Forum at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, where investors and business leaders from both countries explored opportunities for partnership.
Addressing the forum, President Samia said Tanzania continues to implement reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and creating a more business-friendly environment.
She encouraged Namibian investors to use Tanzania as a gateway to the vast markets of East, Central and Southern Africa.
She highlighted opportunities in logistics and port services, agriculture and value addition, livestock, fisheries, mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, and the services sector.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that the true measure of success would not be the number of agreements signed but the level of investment, trade growth and employment generated through private sector engagement.
She challenged business leaders from both countries to move beyond discussions and translate opportunities into factories, businesses and productive investments capable of creating jobs and boosting economic prosperity.
Her message reflected a growing determination among African leaders to strengthen intra-African trade and investment by leveraging regional partnerships and reducing reliance on external markets.
The renewed Tanzania-Namibia partnership signals a shift from a relationship rooted primarily in shared history to one increasingly focused on economic transformation.
For both nations, the goal is clear: to turn decades of political solidarity into practical benefits that improve livelihoods, create jobs and drive sustainable development for future generations.
