Africa’s Only Two Female Presidents Meet To Deepen Trade Relations

In a meeting that marks both a political milestone and a powerful symbol of African unity, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania welcomed Namibia’s President, Hon. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to the State House in Dar es Salaam this week. The visit brought together the only two sitting female Heads of State on the African continent.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan described the encounter as more than diplomatic, it was a reunion of history, memory, and purpose. She recalled the long-standing bond between Tanzania and Namibia, rooted in the liberation era when Tanzania served as a safe haven for Namibian freedom fighters. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who lived in Tanzania between 1980 and 1986, was among those who found refuge and support during Namibia’s fight for independence.

Honorable Dr. Netumbo is my sister, I am consoled to welcome her back to Tanzania, where she lived during our shared struggle for justice and freedom. 

Their discussions focused on advancing cooperation across multiple sectors—business, trade, tourism, livestock, fisheries, the blue economy, and language promotion, specifically the Swahili language, which continues to grow in influence across the continent.

President  Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized that while the political solidarity between the two nations was born during the liberation era, the focus now is on building economic resilience and opportunity for future generations. “After political independence, we are now concentrating on strengthening the economy and prosperity of our countries,” she stated.

The meeting also projects the enduring legacies of founding leaders Julius Nyerere and Sam Nujoma, whose vision of pan-African cooperation continues to guide both countries. As the continent looks toward deeper intra-African trade and regional development, the partnership between Tanzania and Namibia stands as an example of how historical bonds can be transformed into modern strategies for growth.