Namibia and Angola have identified the proposed N$941 million Angola-Namibia Interconnector and the Baynes Hydropower Project as priority energy developments, as the two countries seek to accelerate cross-border electricity infrastructure projects.
The projects were highlighted during the inaugural session of the Angola-Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Angolan President João Lourenço in Luanda on Monday.
According to a joint communiqué issued following the meeting, the two governments emphasised the importance of advancing strategic infrastructure projects expected to strengthen economic cooperation and improve services in both countries.
The Angola-Namibia Interconnector is among the flagship initiatives identified for implementation, alongside the proposed Baynes Hydropower Project.
Both developments form part of efforts to deepen cooperation in electricity generation and transmission between the neighbouring countries.
The Angola-Namibia Power Interconnection Project (ANNA) will involve the construction of a 166-kilometre, 400 kV transmission line linking the Kunene substation in Namibia to the Cahama substation in Angola, with 30 kilometres of the line located in Namibia.
The project will also include feeder bays, transformation infrastructure and a static var compensator at the Kunene substation.
The communiqué did not provide revised construction timelines or updated financing arrangements for the two energy projects.
Beyond electricity infrastructure, the governments confirmed that permanent pump stations at Calueque are expected to be commissioned in December 2026 as part of efforts to improve water supply to northern Namibia.
The two countries also identified cooperation in information and communications technology (ICT) as a priority, with a focus on improving internet access.
Another flagship initiative is the proposed one-stop border post at Oshikango-Santa Clara, intended to facilitate cross-border trade and improve the movement of goods and people.
The communiqué said Nandi-Ndaitwah and Lourenço emphasised the need to accelerate the implementation of the identified projects, citing their potential to support economic development and improve livelihoods.
The BNC was established following a July 2019 decision to consolidate existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms into a single strategic platform co-chaired by the two presidents.
Its inaugural session provides a framework for coordinating cooperation and advancing bilateral agreements between the two countries.
The governments also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations and welcomed the second Angola-Namibia Business Forum, held alongside the commission meeting.
The infrastructure priorities were outlined following President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Angola, during which the two countries renewed their commitment to advancing joint development projects.
