The longstanding sisterhood between Namibia and Angola, forged during the liberation struggle, has been celebrated as a symbol of unity and cooperation. However, despite this shared history, the socio-economic situation between the two countries has not significantly improved post-independence. The absence of key infrastructure, such as officially-gazetted border points, has hindered progress in critical areas such as trade, education and healthcare.
The reduction of foreign aid under the administration of United States president Donald Trump has made it increasingly important for African nations to explore ways to open up borders and foster greater regional collaboration.
Despite the challenges posed by issues such as counterfeiting and other illicit activities, there remains substantial potential for Namibia and Angola to rely on each other for mutual benefit, and find sustainable solutions.
One pressing area for cooperation is education.
Many citizens in the border regions, such as Ohangwena (Namibia) and Cunene (Angola), Omusati (Namibia) and Cunene/Namibe (Angola) as well as Kunene (Namibia) and Namibe (Angola), require access to the Namibian curriculum.
Given the cultural and linguistic similarities such as the shared Kwanyama, Mbandja, Zemba and Himba communities, there is a strong case for joint initiatives in education.
Constructing schools as a collaborative venture between the two countries could be a valuable step forward.
Education is widely regarded as the greatest equaliser.
Ensuring that these communities have access to quality education could greatly improve social mobility.
In addition to educational cooperation, Namibia and Angola could address unemployment by employing Namibian graduates, such as nurses and teachers, in Angola.
This would not only help curb unemployment in Namibia but also improve service provision in Angola, where both countries are competing for limited resources and skilled labour.
This reciprocal arrangement would support economic and social development in both nations.
Furthermore, taking essential services to marginalised communities, such as those in ‘Omaluko’, as they are known in the northern part concerning ‘Ovamwila’, should be prioritised.
With an improved bilateral agreement, it is possible to bring basic services to these communities, ensuring that they can access health, education and other essential resources within their homeland.
Until when are we going to have this situation of minors wandering the streets in Namibia.
It is disheartening – our intervention is not sustainable but a quick fix.
A notable example of successful cooperation in Africa is the ongoing agreement between Namibia and Cuba, where Cuban doctors continue to provide medical services in Namibia.
Such a model could be replicated between Namibia and Angola, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
Strengthening medical and technical collaboration between the two countries could improve service delivery and enhance mutual understanding.
Another potential area of collaboration lies in the agricultural sector.
Namibia could open a meat market through Angola, facilitating trade to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and beyond.
However, this potential remains untapped due to a lack of tangible solutions and infrastructure.
While the relationship between Namibia and Angola holds great promise, both countries must move beyond symbolic gestures, and take practical steps toward creating a sustainable bilateral agreement. This will enable the two nations to address shared challenges such as unemployment, access to education and healthcare as well as trade, ultimately benefitting both countries and the region.
*Mawiipi M.M. Hartley holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Management. He is a lecturer at the International University of Management. The opinion expressed is entirely his.