President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan have urged each other to translate their strong historic ties into practical economic cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for citizens.

The two leaders agreed that the foundation for this partnership had already been laid through the deep relationships forged during the pre-independence era, built on solidarity, shared struggles, and mutual support.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Tanzania, marked by a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour as she began her state visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding relations between the two countries.

With a firm foundation now established, the president said the focus is now on translating those historic bonds into tangible socio-economic outcomes that create jobs, reduce poverty, boost trade and investment, and improve the livelihoods of people in both countries.

During engagements at the Tanzanian State House, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia's and Tanzania's relationship is built on a shared liberation history, Pan-African solidarity, and decades of mutual support.

Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah described the relationship that is forged through political, diplomatic and logistical support rather than recent agreements.

She stressed that the state visit to Tanzania seeks to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, youth development, and culture.

“To ensure these intentions become reality, our two governments will systematically review progress under existing bilateral mechanisms, most notably our Joint Commission of Cooperation. We have directed our respective ministers and technical teams to inject a renewed sense of urgency into these frameworks. We want to see timelines met, bottlenecks removed, and agreements signed translated into projects on the ground."

Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah pointed out the need to remove barriers affecting trade, strengthen private sector partnerships, and ensure that agreements between the two countries translate into tangible projects.

The two countries signed Memoranda of Understanding covering defense and trade cooperation, MSME development, and a partnership between Zanzibar and Swakopmund.

“While governments can create the enabling environment and sign treaties, it is the private sector that acts as the true engine of economic growth. I strongly encourage the business communities in both Namibia and Tanzania to seize the unique opportunity this state visit provides,” added President Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Meanwhile, Suluhu Hassan noted that trade between the two countries remains below its potential, with 2024 trade valued at about N$128 million, and called for greater collaboration in areas such as food security, the blue economy, energy, oil and gas and livestock development.

The leaders also discussed improving air connectivity between the two countries to boost trade, tourism, and education exchanges, including opportunities to teach the Swahili language in Namibia.

Beyond bilateral relations, Namibia and Tanzania reiterated their commitment to regional peace, security, climate action, and cooperation within the African Union and SADC.

President Suluhu Hassan also called for Namibia's support for Tanzania's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029-2030 term.