Zambia and Namibia strengthen defence and security cooperation

Staff Reporter NAMIBIA and Zambia strengthened defence and security cooperation at the 26th Session of the Zambia–Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS), which was held in Chilanga, Zambia, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to peace, stability, and regional cooperation. The Zambian delegation was led by Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Namibia Stephen Katuka, and other senior officials. The Namibian delegation was headed by Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi, supported by Executive Director Annely Haiphene, Home Affairs Executive Director Nghidinua Daniel, and Acting High Commissioner to Zambia Nomsa Uushona, among others. The Commission commended Namibia for the peaceful 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections that brought President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to office and expressed appreciation to both President Nandi-Ndaitwah and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia for their continued leadership in fostering bilateral cooperation. Video: Ministry of Defence – Zambia Photos: Ministry of Defence – Zambia Both countries reiterated their dedication to implementing resolutions from the session and to strengthening their longstanding diplomatic ties. The Commission also welcomed President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s working visit to Lusaka in May 2025, where the two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to improving livelihoods and advancing regional economic development. With Namibia’s Regional and Local Authority elections set for November 2025 and Zambia’s general elections scheduled for August 2026, the Commission commended both nations for upholding democratic values and promoting peace within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The two delegations exchanged condolences on the passing of Founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma of Namibia and Former President Edgar Lungu of Zambia earlier this year, honouring their legacies as leaders who shaped their nations’ histories. Discussions also covered regional and cross-border security matters, including transnational crimes such as illegal migration, smuggling, poaching, stock theft, and human and drug trafficking. Both sides agreed to intensify joint operations and intelligence-sharing efforts to address these challenges. The Commission welcomed progress toward operationalising the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post and the establishment of a Permanent Corridor Secretariat for the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi Corridor, which is expected to improve trade facilitation and regional connectivity. On regional issues, the Commission noted continued peace and stability across southern Africa but expressed concern over political unrest in Madagascar following a recent military takeover. It reaffirmed support for the SADC Organ Troika’s efforts to restore democratic governance there and commended ongoing peace initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Namibia was also praised for hosting the 25th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security earlier this month, and Zambia was commended for successfully hosting the SADC Aviation Exercise “Blue Lugwasho 2025.” As the meeting concluded, Namibia extended best wishes to Zambia on the occasion of its 61st Independence Anniversary on 24 October 2025. The Zambian delegation expressed gratitude for Namibia’s continued partnership and accepted the invitation to host the next session of the Commission in Namibia. The session was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation, reflecting the enduring friendship between the two nations.