Namibia and SA deepen ties with Business Council …presidential initiative structured for SMEs, trade and investment

A Namibia South Africa Business Council was launched last week as a joint private sector platform designed to translate the historically close relationship between the two countries into tangible trade, investment and partnership outcomes for businesses on both sides of the border. The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and the South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) last week announced the formal launch of the Council, which was formalised at the Gallagher Convention Centre.

The Council originates from the 2023 Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Namibia and South Africa, where the two Heads of State agreed to establish a dedicated business council as a mechanism for coordinated, concerted private sector action. The new council formalises that presidential commitment into an operating structure that businesses can engage with directly.

“This council is the private sector taking up the mandate that our two Presidents gave us. The Bi-National Commission created the political runway. Our task now is to make sure that runway leads somewhere real – to signed deals, cross-border partnerships and growth that Namibian and South African businesses can feel. We are building a Council that listens, leads and delivers and that is deliberately designed to open doors for our large corporates and our MSMEs alike,” said Titus Nampala, Chief Executive Officer of the NCCI.