Advancing Partnership and Progress: The Third SA-Namibia Bi-National Commission

South Africa and Namibia’s Bi-National Commission (BNC) serves as a platform to deepen their bilateral relations and collaborate in advancing Africa’s political, economic, and social integration. The 3rd Session of the BNC in October 2023 focuses on energy cooperation, particularly in electricity and green hydrogen, and encouraging collaboration in various other sectors to propel progress and development throughout the African continent. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Hage Geingob of Namibia jointly preside over the session, with a high-level delegation from South Africa attending to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

What is the SA-Namibia Bi-National Commission about?

The Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Namibia serves as a platform to deepen their bilateral relations and collaborate in advancing Africa’s political, economic, and social integration. The partnership is founded on their mutual vision of Africa’s renewal and equitable international governance. The 3rd Session of the BNC in October 2023 focuses on energy cooperation, particularly in electricity and green hydrogen, and encouraging collaboration in various other sectors to propel progress and development throughout the African continent.

A Decade of Growing Collaboration

Ten years ago, in November 2013, the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia occurred in Windhoek, Namibia. The partnership between these two countries has since expanded and strengthened, with the second session being held in Pretoria, South Africa, on October 4, 2016.

On October 13, 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Hage Geingob of Namibia jointly preside over the 3rd Session of the BNC. This occasion reaffirms the commitment of both nations to not only deepen their bilateral relations but also to collaborate closely in advancing Africa’s political, economic, and social integration.

In anticipation of the BNC, a Council of Ministers Meeting takes place on October 12, 2023, after a Senior Officials Meeting in Windhoek between March 7 and 9, 2023. The BNC consists of four committees: Diplomatic, Economic, Social, and Defence and Security. Each committee is jointly led by representatives from the respective government departments of South Africa and Namibia.

Building on Shared Vision and Agreements

The partnership between South Africa and Namibia is founded on their mutual vision of Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and equitable international governance. Over time, their geographical closeness and common boundaries have generated numerous cooperation opportunities, significantly benefiting the economies of both nations.

The alliance between the two countries is supported by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements, covering diverse sectors and areas. South Africa employs Structured Bilateral Mechanisms such as the BNC to promote its political, economic, and social interests while exchanging views on regional, continental, and global issues of shared concern.

During the 3rd Session of the BNC, several key objectives are established, including assessing progress on commitments made during the 2nd session, enhancing existing political, economic, and social relations, promoting collaboration in energy, specifically in electricity and green hydrogen, and deepening cooperation at regional, continental, and global levels.

A High-Level Delegation for Greater Cooperation

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by a delegation of South African Ministers, including Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation, Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry, and Competition.

The delegation also features Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development, Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy, Barbra Creecy of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation, Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport, Patricia de Lille of Tourism, and Ministers in the Presidency, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

This considerable delegation highlights the importance attributed to the BNC by the South African government. Moreover, it signifies the commitment to strengthening cooperation between South Africa and Namibia in various sectors and tackling common challenges confronting both countries.

Focusing on Energy and Multi-Sector Collaboration

Energy cooperation, particularly in electricity and green hydrogen, is a central focus of the 3rd Session of the BNC. As the world wrestles with climate change and the demand for sustainable energy sources, the collaboration between South Africa and Namibia in this domain is both timely and crucial. By jointly developing alternative, clean energy sources, these two nations can set an example in promoting renewable energy and environmental stewardship across the African continent.

In addition to energy cooperation, the BNC seeks to encourage collaboration in various other sectors, such as agriculture, higher education, science, and innovation, trade, and industry. By capitalizing on their respective strengths and sharing resources and expertise, South Africa and Namibia can propel progress and development not only within their own borders but also throughout the entire African continent.

The 3rd Session of the SA-Namibia Bi-National Commission stands as a testament to the robust bond between these two nations. With an emphasis on cooperation, mutual support, and shared objectives, South Africa and Namibia continue to pave the path towards a brighter future for their citizens and the African continent as a whole.

1. What is the SA-Namibia Bi-National Commission about?

The Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Namibia serves as a platform to deepen their bilateral relations and collaborate in advancing Africa’s political, economic, and social integration.

2. What is the focus of the 3rd Session of the BNC?

The 3rd Session of the BNC in October 2023 focuses on energy cooperation, particularly in electricity and green hydrogen, and encouraging collaboration in various other sectors to propel progress and development throughout the African continent.

3. Who are the leaders presiding over the 3rd Session of the BNC?

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Hage Geingob of Namibia jointly preside over the 3rd Session of the BNC.

4. When was the inaugural Bi-National Commission held between South Africa and Namibia?

The inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia occurred in November 2013.

5. What are the four committees of the BNC?

The BNC consists of four committees: Diplomatic, Economic, Social, and Defence and Security. Each committee is jointly led by representatives from the respective government departments of South Africa and Namibia.

6. Who is included in the South African delegation for the 3rd Session of the BNC?

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by a delegation of South African Ministers, including Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation, Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry, and Competition.

7. What is the focus of the BNC besides energy cooperation?

The BNC seeks to encourage collaboration in various other sectors, such as agriculture, higher education, science, and innovation, trade, and industry.

8. What is the purpose of the BNC between South Africa and Namibia?

The partnership between South Africa and Namibia is founded on their mutual vision of Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and equitable international governance. The BNC serves as a platform to deepen their bilateral relations and collaborate in advancing Africa’s political, economic, and social integration.