President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, have called for the effective implementation of bilateral agreements to ensure tangible benefits for citizens of both countries.
Addressing the inaugural Angola-Namibia Bi-National Commission in Luanda, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the value of more than 60 existing bilateral agreements lies in their implementation and measurable impact on people's lives.
Through the commission, the two countries aim to advance industrialisation and expand economic and social opportunities, in line with their respective national development priorities.
"Our people will not be impressed by the number of agreements we signed; they want to see a positive impact in their day-to-day lives. Therefore, the weight and significance of this responsibility extend beyond the negotiation and signature phase to the fulfilment of the commitments undertaken under those agreements and to their measurable contribution to visible impact."
Angolan President João Lourenço echoed the call, urging both countries to turn existing and future agreements into concrete results.
"It is now time to look ahead and seek to realise the aspirations of our respective peoples, working for the economic and social development of our countries. I therefore emphasise the importance of implementing all the agreements our countries have signed so far, as well as those we plan to conclude, to produce results with a clear impact on the lives of Namibian and Angolan citizens."
Energy cooperation was a key focus, with both countries seeking to enhance regional energy security through partnerships in oil, gas and electricity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah identified Angola's Lobito Refinery as a potential partner for cooperation in petroleum products, logistics, storage and distribution, subject to commercial viability.
Lourenço highlighted plans to strengthen regional energy security through electricity interconnections via Namibia and the proposed joint Baynes hydropower project.
"We must pursue the necessary studies and initiatives to transform this intention into a project of common interest, capable of strengthening the integration of our energy systems and creating development opportunities. It is also important to complete the necessary processes to enable the effective start of construction of the Baynes hydropower station, a bi-national project that represents a concrete step towards regional infrastructure integration."
Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the oil and gas cooperation agreement signed in 2022, saying it allows Namibia to benefit from Angola's expertise and experience as it develops its emerging oil and gas industry.
The two leaders called for faster implementation of joint water projects, including the Cafu Canal extension into Namibia and permanent pumping stations at Calueque.
The inaugural Bi-National Commission follows a 2019 decision to elevate bilateral cooperation under the two Heads of State.