Angola has expressed its readiness to assist Namibia in building its oil and gas industry by leveraging its decades of experience in the sector.
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari confirmed that Angola is well-positioned to train Namibians in oil and gas and has already begun capacity-building initiatives.
He reaffirmed Angola’s full commitment to supporting the development of Namibia’s emerging energy sector.
This pledge comes in the wake of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent working visit to Angola—her first official international engagement since taking office on 21 March.
The visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, trade, and energy.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah was accompanied by First Gentleman Denga Ndaitwah and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.
The visit included an introductory meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço and broader engagements with regional leadership.
Both leaders agreed to deepen their long-standing diplomatic ties by enhancing economic collaboration, with a focus on addressing shared challenges such as youth unemployment.
Hengari noted that both nations are committed to targeted measures aimed at boosting economic cooperation and job creation.
Priority sectors identified for bilateral collaboration include agriculture, energy, oil and gas, tourism, logistics, infrastructure, and water management.
Ministers Ashipala-Musavyi and her Angolan counterpart are expected to schedule the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission, which will be co-chaired by Presidents Nandi-Ndaitwah and Lourenço.
The commission is intended to fast-track the implementation of the upgraded cooperation agreement signed in 2019.
Hengari also stressed the importance of reinforcing legal and policy frameworks to fully realize the goals of the expanded partnership.
In addition to encouraging greater private sector investment, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the Baynes Hydropower Plant project.
The initiative aims to improve water and power infrastructure in northern Namibia and support energy exports to neighboring countries.
They also discussed the development of a future rail link to enhance trade and logistics between Angola and Namibia, further strengthening regional integration and economic development.
