Through industrial hemp production, Botswana is taking an important step towards the resuscitation of its ailing economy following a decline in diamond sales on the global stage.

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) says expanding market access for Namibian businesses remains a key priority, with the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum having provided a platform for local companies to secure new trade and investment opportunities.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah wants the newly established Namibia-South Africa Business Council to turn the tide on the widening trade imbalance by driving shared investment between the two countries.

Business leaders from South Africa and Namibia used the Namibia-South Africa Business Forum to urge their governments to back a new joint business council with concrete measures on industrialisation, green energy and faster, cheaper cross‑border trade.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, have urged the private sector to seize opportunities created through closer regional integration. 

Botswana is engaging with Namibia and Angola with a view to ensuring that the neighbouring countries' ultimate increased stake is at an optimal level in the best interest of the country and its people.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for greater investment in education on Friday, saying African countries could use schools and skills training to drive development and overcome the legacy of colonialism and apartheid.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has thrown government support behind Namibian companies seeking to establish businesses abroad, promising to confront barriers that stand in the way of investment and profit repatriation.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has tasked Namibian businesses with developing bankable projects that can unlock and attract Chinese investment, translating to sustained economic growth. 

The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, presented Namibia's green hydrogen sector to the Chinese business community, amongst other potential sectors.

Ashipala-Musavyi forms part of the delegation accompanying President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to China.