Africa-Cuba relations: Namibia strengthens ties with Cuba with reciprocal state visits

Just 16 months after Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez’s state visit to Africa, Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba is reciprocating with a 5-day state visit to Cuba to bolster the already strong bilateral relations between the two nations.

According to a statement from the Namibian presidency, the bond between Cuba and Namibia is deeply rooted in a shared history of friendship, solidarity, and mutual support, particularly during pivotal moments in both countries’ struggles for independence.

The two countries maintain excellent bilateral cooperation and have signed several agreements, including those between the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and the Centre for the Promotion of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of Cuba.

During the visit, President Mbumba will engage in bilateral meetings with his counterpart President Bermudez with the objective of scaling up bilateral relations.

While global powers such as Russia, the US, France, etc., continue to build ties and strengthen alliances with African countries in geopolitical dynamics, the Namibia-Cuba relationship indicates reciprocal collaboration that reinforces their historical ties and shared vision.

And so what?

The signing of the agreements and memorandum of understanding between the two countries could boost economic cooperation and diversify economic opportunities in areas such as health, trade, and engineering.

Despite the two countries having a shared vision, the development of Namibia would be based on practical action that would improve the economy and create jobs, which goes beyond the signing of an agreement.

Also, the state visit may be insignificant as Namibia’s first female president-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, would be taking over in the coming days, with her own leadership style and ideology.

The Namibian president’s visit to Cuba indicates their continued commitment to the Global South alliance, as it would enhance the collective bargaining power of developing nations in international forums and reinforce Cuba’s leadership role in championing the Global South.

Nangolo Mbumba, 82, was sworn in as Namibia’s fourth president after the death of Geingob was announced at a Windhoek hospital where he was being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Godfred Zina is a freelance journalist and an associate with DefSEC Analytics Africa – a consulting agency specializing in the provision of accurate data and assessments on security, politics, investment, trade, and other risks within Africa. He is based in Accra, Ghana.