11 October 2025
Namibia and Botswana have agreed to develop joint strategies to safeguard the competitiveness of natural diamonds and explore new areas of cooperation in the sector, as both countries grapple with declining revenues from the gem trade.
The agreement was reached during the Second Session of the Namibia-Botswana Bi-National Commission, co-chaired by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Botswana’s President Duma Boko in Windhoek, Namibia, on Friday.
According to the joint communique, the two leaders expressed concern over “the negative effects of the decline in diamond revenue,” noting that the industry remains a key contributor to the economies of both countries.
They welcomed the Commission’s decision to “develop joint strategies to safeguard the competitiveness of natural diamonds, while exploring collaborative initiatives in the sector.”
Namibia and Botswana are among Africa’s top diamond producers and have long partnered with international mining companies to promote the sustainable development of the industry.
Over the past week, ministers and officials from Namibia and Botswana reviewed progress and explored new areas of collaboration in trade, transport, agriculture, energy, education, and security. Key developments discussed include the Trans-Kalahari Railway, the One-Stop Border Post, 24-hour border operations using national ID cards, and continued livestock protection efforts through the Botswana Vaccine Institute.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the meeting reflects the strong friendship and shared vision between the two nations, grounded in history, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity. She called for turning political ties into economic opportunities that create jobs and empower young people and women, while also reiterating Namibia’s support for peace across Africa and lifting sanctions on Zimbabwe and Cuba. The President also congratulated Botswana on winning gold in the 4x400m men’s relay at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
During the session, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and an agreement were signed to further deepen collaboration.
These cover cooperation in corrections and prisons, energy resources, police work, employment and labour, health, cultural exchange, science, technology and innovation, and the employment of spouses and dependants of diplomatic and consular staff.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional integration and inclusive growth, emphasising that closer cooperation is key to transforming natural resource wealth into long-term development. The next session of the Namibia-Botswana Bi-National Commission will be held in Botswana in 2027.
Source: https://shorturl.at/mg1uT & https://shorturl.at/h7FYR
