Botswana and Namibia are exploring plans to jointly fund and build an oil refinery to benefit not only their nations but the broader Southern African region.
The proposal came about during Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s working visit to Gaborone, where she met with Botswana’s President Duma Boko for bilateral talks focused on strengthening economic cooperation.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that Namibia’s recent oil and gas discoveries should be considered regional assets. “It’s a resource in the neighbourhood, and we can all benefit from it,” she said. President Boko echoed her view, noting that while the refinery may not be viable for Namibia alone, it becomes feasible when serving the larger sub-regional population.
The two leaders also addressed economic inequality and unemployment in their countries. With over 44% of Namibian youth unemployed, Nandi-Ndaitwah said joint projects like the refinery could create jobs and reduce poverty. Boko added that addressing inequality was key to inclusive growth, highlighting that many citizens remain excluded from the mainstream economy.
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Beyond oil, the leaders discussed collaboration in agriculture, energy, transport, and mining. Upgrading the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line and boosting port activity through Walvis Bay were flagged as strategic goals. Botswana thanked Namibia for granting dry port access, while Nandi-Ndaitwah affirmed Namibia’s commitment to regional cooperation.
The discussions also extended to diamond sector alignment, joint certification of medical products, and shared strategies for veterinary services to enhance beef exports.
On broader continental issues, both presidents stressed unity and warned against external interference in African affairs. They also committed to reconvening the Namibia-Botswana Bi-National Commission later this year in Windhoek.
Following her visit to Botswana, Nandi-Ndaitwah traveled to Zambia, where she met President Hakainde Hichilema to discuss cross-border infrastructure, including a pipeline from Namibia to Zambia. They reaffirmed their countries’ historical ties and agreed on strengthening cooperation in energy, agriculture, and trade.
