Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for stronger cross-border cooperation between Namibia and Angola.
She said border towns like Helao Nafidi are central to unlocking new economic opportunities and regional growth.
Speaking at the opening of the 18th Helao Nafidi Business Expo, the President said Helao Nafidi’s strategic position as a gateway to Angola presents vast potential for trade, investment and social ties between the two nations.
“The town of Helao Nafidi occupies a strategic location as a gateway to our neighbour, Angola,” she stated.
“This position offers tremendous potential for cross-border trade and cooperation through the movement of people, goods, services and knowledge,” she noted.
The President encouraged local authorities, regional councils and business communities to build stronger relationships with their Angolan counterparts.
She added that good neighbourliness fosters shared prosperity and peace.
“You can choose a friend, but you cannot choose a neighbour. There is a lot we can benefit from all our neighbours, and they too can benefit from us,” she said.
“As your President, I want to see good neighbourhoods along all our borders. I ask you to join me in this endeavour in both words and action,” Nandi-Ndaitwah remarked.
She continued that Helao Nafidi, as a border town, stands to benefit from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to boost intra-African trade by creating a single market for goods and services.
“At the Namibia Public Private Forum (NPPF), we learned that there are many projects ready to enter Namibia. Look for them and bring them to your town and the region at large,” she urged.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the need for collaboration between town councils, regional authorities and the private sector to ensure that trade translates into tangible local benefits such as jobs, infrastructure and improved services.
“Government needs the private sector as much as the private sector needs government. Together, we can grow our economy and take our people out of poverty,” she added.
As Namibia heads into the regional and local elections later this month, the President urged communities to elect leaders committed to regional cooperation and inclusive growth.
“Those elected must work with us to deliver on the commitments we have made to the Namibian people, including quality service delivery and poverty eradication,” she said.
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