Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe and Namibia have committed to enhancing cooperation in the mining sector, with a particular focus on value addition and beneficiation, following bilateral talks between President Mnangagwa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Harare yesterday.
President Mnangagwa confirmed the engagement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Pleased to welcome President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia to State House in Harare for her introductory working visit. We reaffirmed our commitment to strong bilateral and regional cooperation under the SADC framework.”
During her first official visit to Zimbabwe, President Nandi-Ndaitwah held discussions centred on economic cooperation, with both leaders agreeing to prioritise the local processing of natural resources to stimulate industrial growth and create jobs.
According to the Zimbabwe Economic Review, the two countries aim to collaborate more closely in the minerals sector, a move analysts say is consistent with wider regional efforts to move away from raw material exports.
“This agreement reflects a growing realisation among African leaders that exporting raw minerals is economically unsustainable. Local beneficiation not only boosts job creation but also increases revenue retention and strengthens the value chain within our own economies,” said economic analyst Dr. Tinashe Maponga, a Harare-based consultant in regional trade
Both Zimbabwe and Namibia are rich in mineral resources, including lithium, diamonds, and uranium, but have long depended on foreign processing industries. The renewed focus on in-country beneficiation is being seen as a strategic shift aimed at long-term industrialisation under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework.
Dr. Maponga noted that while the political will is evident, practical implementation will require significant investment in infrastructure, skills development, and policy alignment. “The challenge is now to move from declarations to actionable projects that can yield measurable economic benefits for citizens in both countries,” he said.
The visit also offered a platform for the two presidents to discuss broader regional issues, including trade integration, security, and climate resilience.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded her visit by reaffirming her administration’s commitment to strong bilateral relations, signalling a deepening partnership between Windhoek and Harare.
