On May 20–21, 2025, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia made her first official visit to Tanzania since assuming office in March. She was warmly received by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam, marking a significant moment as two of Africa’s female heads of state came together to strengthen bilateral ties.
The two leaders, who first met in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, have maintained a long-standing relationship, having both served as ministers of tourism and later as vice presidents. Their recent meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, and cultural exchange. President Hassan highlighted the growth in trade between the two countries, which reached TZS 20 billion (approximately N$132 million) in 2023, and emphasized opportunities in livestock, fishing, tourism, gas and oil exploration, and the blue economy. She also proposed the introduction of Kiswahili language education in Namibia to strengthen cultural ties.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed gratitude for Tanzania’s support during Namibia’s liberation struggle and underscored the importance of their historical relationship. During her visit, she was expected to deliver a public lecture at the University of Dar es Salaam titled “Inspiring Women to Break Barriers in Leadership Positions, a Personal Experience,” reflecting on Africa’s developmental priorities and the role of inclusive governance. She also planned to visit the African Liberation Heritage Centre, acknowledging Tanzania’s contribution to Africa’s liberation movements.
This meeting not only reinforced the enduring friendship between Tanzania and Namibia but also symbolized a commitment to collaborative leadership and the empowerment of women across the continent.
The Namibian
Tanzania Digest
