Namibia and Botswana Mark Progress in Bilateral Cooperation

During the recent second Botswana-Namibia BiNational Commission (BNC) held in Windhoek, the heads of state of the two neighbouring countries, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and President Duma Gideon Boko, celebrated major strides in their bilateral partnership. Key achievements include:

• Travel and border facilitation: National identity cards are now accepted as travel documents between the two countries, and the Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno Border Post operates 24 hours a day. The One-Stop Border Post at the crossing became fully operational in September 2024.
• Civil military cooperation: Strengthened collaboration along the shared border has fostered peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness.
• Livestock and veterinary support: Botswana supplied over 3.8 million doses of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines to Namibia, valued at N$60.7 million. The two countries also exchanged livestock to improve genetics, with thousands of cattle, goats and sheep traded.
• Infrastructure and trade: The Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility study began in April 2025, with completion expected in March 2026. Namibia also granted Botswana dry port clearance licences to enhance trade efficiency.
• Environmental and anti-corruption efforts: Joint conservation projects under the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area, along with a code of conduct for the Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe River, were finalised. Cooperation between Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission and Botswana’s Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime continues to tackle corruption in the region.

During the session, several bilateral agreements and MoUs were signed, covering areas such as corrections and prisons, energy resources, police cooperation, employment and labour, health, culture, science and technology, as well as the employment of spouses and dependents of diplomatic staff. In his remarks, Dr Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, expressed confidence that the outcomes of the session contribute meaningfully towards advancing sustainable development, improving the livelihoods of our peoples and achieving the broader objectives of regional integration.

The occasion also saw the renaming of Feld Street in Windhoek in honour of Sir Seretse Khama, Botswana’s founding president. “As streets serve as pathways that connect people and places, so does the legacy of Sir Seretse Khama unite generations. It serves as a reminder that leadership grounded in humility, service and principles possesses the power to transform nations,” said President Nandi-Ndaitwah. She described the gesture as Namibia’s continued commitment to collaborative efforts with Botswana as equal partners and true friends in the pursuit of regional integration, economic growth and lasting peace.

Lieutenant General Dr Ian Khama, former president of the Republic of Botswana and paramount chief of Gammangwato Territory, who is the son of the late Sir Seretse Khama, said the renaming of the street is more than a name on a sign post, noting that it is a symbol of the ideals that guided his father’s footsteps.

The visit by the Botswana delegation concluded with a special premiere event as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, joined by Botswana President Duma Boko, friends, family and Namibians from all walks of life, attended the debut of the documentary “Netumbo: A Leader Beyond Politics” at SterKinekor, The Grove Mall in Windhoek.

Produced by Joe Vision Production in collaboration with MultiChoice, the film chronicles President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s remarkable journey from the small village of Onamutai to the frontlines of the liberation struggle, highlighting her lifelong commitment to Namibia’s freedom. President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the significance of the creative industry and shared her vision of establishing a Namibian film city, a hub where local stories and talent can shine on the global stage.