Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE is intensifying efforts to resume full-scale trade with Europe and Western countries, leveraging its strategic partnership with Namibia to support the anticipated trade revival. The country is using the westward-facing Dry Port at Walvis Bay as a key logistical hub.
Outgoing Namibian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nicklaas Kandjii, made a farewell courtesy call on Acting President Constantino Chiwenga and later told journalists that Namibia is collaborating with Zimbabwe to promote the use of the Walvis Bay facility.
Zimbabwe’s previous strong trade relations with the European union were affected by the imposition of sanctions.
However, the Second Republic is actively working to rebuild these ties, guided by its policy of “friendship to all and enmity to none.”
Historical data shows the scale of past trade. The World Bank’s WITS database indicates that in 1995, Zimbabwe imported approximately US$695 million worth of goods from Europe, including significant volumes of capital goods and machinery.
Speaking after his meeting with Acting President Chiwenga, Ambassador Kandjii highlighted past trade missions aimed at promoting the Dry Port and trade corridors.
“I’m sure you are aware of the Zimbabwe Dry Port in Walvis Bay and the corridors. We had a trade mission to promote the corridors and Dry Port for export to Western countries,” said Ambassador Kandjii.
He also underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship.
“Namibia and Zimbabwe have signed over 30 MoUs and agreements. In 2021, we held a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations here and our current President, who was then Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. That meeting elevated the Joint Permanent Commission. Namibia is next to host the Bi-National Commission, and once that is done, it will pave the way to further strengthen our bilateral relations.”
Ambassador Kandjii said the discussions also covered the strong bilateral ties between the two nations and their ruling parties.
“We discussed issues of mutual interest, particularly the excellent relations between Namibia and Zimbabwe, and also between Zanu-PF and the Swapo party,” he said.
He cited Zimbabwe’s assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic as an example of this cooperation.
“If you recall, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe assisted us by airlifting vaccines. Zimbabwe also donated 20 000 doses to Namibia, which is a clear manifestation of the excellent relations between our two nations,” said Ambassador Kandjii.
Sidumisile Mabena