Windhoek: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has expressed interest in strengthening trade with Namibia by exploring opportunities to import fresh fish and meat through the Port of Walvis Bay to meet growing demand in Haut-Katanga Province. The interest was expressed by Haut-Katanga Acting Governor Martin Kazembe Shula, during a familiarisation visit to the Port of Walvis Bay on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the delegation, acting on behalf of DRC President F©lix Antoine Tshisekedi, is in the Erongo Region to explore commercial exchanges, investment opportunities, and areas where the two countries can share expertise and strengthen economic ties. Haut-Katanga, one of the DRC's major economic provinces, is seeking to establish formal trade partnerships with Namibia, particularly in the food sector, where there is demand for fresh fish and meat.

'The province is also interested in leveraging the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor and the Port of Walvis Bay to facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries,' Shula said. Meanwhile, DRC Ambassador to Namibia Christian Katoto said stronger business relations would provide an opportunity for people from both countries to share resources, experiences, and expertise, particularly in the fisheries and food production sectors. 'Our aim is to strengthen the bilateral relations between the DRC and Namibia, especially in the business sector,' he said.

The ambassador said economic cooperation was an important foundation for strengthening relations between the two countries, as business allows people to share what they have and learn from each other's experiences. He said the delegation's visit was also about making concrete commitments that could translate into practical business opportunities. 'We are here for commitment. When we are committed, no one can go back. This will push us to negotiate, this will push us to be transparent. All the steps we have to take together,' he said.

Acting Namport Chief Executive Officer Elias Mwenyo said the port was well positioned to support increased trade between Namibia and the DRC, describing it as more than a national asset. 'The Port of Walvis Bay is more than a Namibian asset. It is a strategic gateway for the entire region,' Mwenyo said. He said the port's strategic importance was particularly evident in Namibia's relationship with the DRC, as Walvis Bay forms part of the western terminus of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor.

The corridor links Walvis Bay with Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC, providing a critical trade route for importers and exporters in both countries. 'For the importers and exporters, this corridor is a very critical linkage of the two countries,' Mwenyo said. He added that Namport was already handling cargo destined for and originating from the DRC through the corridor, demonstrating the existing trade links between the two countries.

Mwenyo said the port was therefore well positioned to facilitate expanded commercial exchanges should the DRC and Namibia identify additional areas of cooperation. The visit comes as both countries seek to strengthen economic relations, with the DRC delegation identifying food security, logistics, infrastructure, and investment as key areas of potential cooperation.