Namibia and Botswana boost regional trade via strategic Walvis Bay port
High-level visit confirms support for economic integration and expanding trade opportunities
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Namibia and Botswana reaffirmed their commitment to boosting regional trade and economic integration following a high-level visit to Walvis Bay port, where officials stressed the strategic importance of the Botswanan dry port and the Trans Kalahari Corridor in facilitating trade across the Southern African region.
Namibia and Botswana boost regional trade via strategic Walvis Bay port
Namibia’s Vice President, Lucia Wetbowee, hosted Botswana’s Vice President, Ndaba Nkosinathi Gwalathei, at Walvis Bay Port, in the presence of the Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Emma Theophilos, the Governor of Irongo Province, Natalia Guagosis, members of the Botswana Dry Port Board, along with a number of senior government officials and businessmen from both countries.
The delegation was received by Elias Moinio, Acting CEO of Namport, along with the company’s leaders and employees.
During the visit, the delegation listened to a presentation on the strategic role of Walvis Bay Port in promoting regional trade, connecting countries and economic integration through the Trans Kalahari Corridor, before touring the port and the Botswanan dry port.
Namport confirmed that the visit reflects the strength of the existing partnership between Namibia and Botswana in supporting regional trade and achieving economic growth.
Botswana's Vice President, Ndaba Gawlathi, said the visit reflects progress in strengthening regional connectivity and trade cooperation, adding: "There is a clear indication that we are moving in this direction, and we have already begun this journey.".
During the tour, Derek Mokgatly, the general manager of the Botswana Container Terminal, gave a briefing in which he explained that the facility gives Botswana access to international markets, enabling it to export its products to Asia, Europe, the Americas and the rest of Africa, while imports arrive in Botswana via the Trans Kalahari Expressway.
The visit also highlighted the role of the Botswana dry port in improving logistics, facilitating trade, and supporting economic growth in Botswana and the entire region.
The visit was part of the official program of the Vice President of Botswana in Namibia, confirming the two countries’ commitment to expanding areas of regional integration, trade and investment within the framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
