SWAKOPMUND – Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi has applauded Namibia and Botswana for their existing trade relations.

However, the two nations have yet to fully tap into bilateral economic prospects.

Masisi, who was the guest of honour at the Swakopmund International Trade Expo (Swaitex) yesterday, said he is eager to trade more with Namibia.

 He said the bilateral trade primarily revolves around the exchange of diamonds. 

In 2023, Botswana imported goods worth US$473 million (N$8.514 billion), with diamonds comprising 93% of this total. 

Besides diamonds, Botswana also exports commodities such as cement, electrical energy, cement clinker and pasta to Namibia.

“We want to trade more with Namibia. Namibia has been procuring livestock vaccines from the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) to manage trans-boundary animal diseases like foot and mouth disease, and cattle lung disease. 

“This collaboration offers us the opportunity to conduct coordinated foot and mouth vaccination campaigns, and to ensure ongoing surveillance of foot and mouth disease in both countries,” Masisi said.

He also revealed that in 2023, Botswana exported to Namibia goods worth US$60.9 million (N$1.0962 billion). 

He said diamond exports constituted 48% of the exports, with coal and electrical cables making up 10% and 5%, respectively.

Additionally, notable exports from Botswana to Namibia encompass passenger vehicles and fibre-optic cables.

“It is, therefore, imperative for governments to uphold their responsibility to foster trade and investment by establishing an environment that enables the private sector to flourish,” he said.

Masisi then pointed out that the Trans-Kalahari railway line stands out as a crucial project that demands robust pursuit to enhance the transportation of goods between the two nations and the broader SADC region. 

He added that there is significant potential for enhanced cooperation between Botswana and Namibia, as both countries share common strengths in areas such as animal disease control protocols, range management practices, abattoir and meat hygiene practices as well as wildlife conservation.

“Our two countries have both ratified comparable regional agreements, specifically the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Protocol and the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement, which spans the three regional economic communities of SADC, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) as well as the East African Community (EAC). 

These agreements aim to boost trade by establishing a substantial single market comprising approximately 700 million people, and boasting an estimated gross domestic product of well over N$25.2 trillion for our goods and services. 

“This clearly illustrates the common ground we share in terms of global integration initiatives,” he said.

Also speaking at Swaitex, President Nangolo Mbumba said the relations between Namibia and Botswana, characterised by kinship, good neighbourliness and mutual respect must be treasured in a world that is currently witnessing rising geopolitical tensions.

“It is indeed a breath of fresh air to enjoy the peace, unity and respect we share with Botswana and her people. Masisi officiating Swaitex is indeed a milestone in the ever-growing bilateral relations between Namibia and Botswana,” Mbumba said.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na

(Masisi)