- Botswana’s Chobe district and Namibia’s Zambezi region sign twinning MOU
- Twinning on local economic development, shared riverine among others
- MOU fulfils commitment to border communities ‘cooperation and good neighbourliness
- Delegations of the two nations led by foreign affairs ministers
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Chobe District Council (Botswana) and Zambezi Regional Council (Namibia) marks a significant milestone in the continued collaboration between Botswana and Namibia, reflecting shared commitment to fostering regional integration and sustainable development.
The two nations signed an MOU on twinning in the fields of local economic development and waste management, shared riverine, resources, culture and sports. The two days event was held in Katima Mulilo, Namibia on the 24th July 2024 and in Kasane, Botswana on the 25th July 2024.
The delegation of the two nations was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Botswana) and the minister of International Relations and Cooperation (Namibia) who under took a Joint-Visit between the two countries.
Speaking during the event that was held in Kasane this week, Botswana’s minister of foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape said the event reaffirms the two countries’ fraternal bonds and commitment to uplift the socio-economic livelihoods of Chobe District and Zambezi Region. He stated that the MOU fulfils the long held desire by the two Heads of State to see their border communities engage in fruitful cooperation and good neighbourliness.
“Our respective governments are committed to working together to promote economic development and social progress for our nations. As we work collectively for peace and stability, sustainable development will surely follow in this region,’’ he said.
Kwape noted that the MOU is not just a document but a testament to their collective resolve to address common challenges and leverage on shared resources for the betterment of communities. He expressed that the Chobe District and Zambezi Region are areas of immense natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, however they also face significant challenges, including environmental conservation, sustainable economic development and effective management of shared riverine resources.
“By signing this, MOU, we are committing to a collaborative networks, that will enable us to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring that our efforts in local economic development are sustainable and inclusive,” said Kwape.
According to Kwape, in the field of environment and waste management, their partnership will focus on implementing best practices and innovative solutions to preserve our ecosystems. Kwape has stressed that this is crucial not only for the health and well-being of the population but also for the preservation of biodiversity, which is a cornerstone of the natural heritage.
He said that the Zambezi River is a lifeline for both nations therefore effective management and conservation of the resource are paramount. Kwape stated that through the MOU they pledge to work together to ensure that the Zambezi River continues to provide sustenance and prosperity for future generations.
‘‘In the realm of culture and sports, we recognise the power of these elements to unite people and build bridges of friendship and understanding. Our collaboration will promote cultural exchanges and sports initiatives, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect among our citizens,’’ he said.
For his part, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Peya Mushelenga said the event marks celebration of peace, coexistence, mutual understanding and opening a new page of collaboration. He stated that the residents of Zambezi Region living along Chobe River have been living in fear because of the harassment by Botswana Defence Force (BDF) members in the past and now they are seeing and experiencing peace more especially as their armed forces are working together.
“Our communities now feel secured along our common borders, after the deployment of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and BDF troops and are feeling free to get closer to the river to fish, cut grass and reeds for their households,” he said.
Mushelenga noted that the two nations have wildlife and biodiversity reserves that should be preserved and conserved for economic development more especially the tourism sector advancement and to conserve for the two generations to come.
Chobe District Council Chairman Chimney Mululwani said that it is important that the communities work together tied together by a common culture and livelihood resource to facilitate employment especially for the youth and women.
Mululwani said he was convinced that this can be attained by leveraging synergies and exploring economic opportunities within the fields of cooperation of the Twinning Partnership especially in areas of regional management of waste and the environment as well as development of arts, culture and sport.
