MAPUTO, 12 August 2026 — Namibia’s newly accredited High Commissioner to Mozambique, David A. Thomas, has pledged to strengthen political, economic and diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries, with particular emphasis on trade, energy, gas, agriculture, port logistics and regional integration.
Thomas made the commitment on Wednesday at State House in Maputo, shortly after presenting his Letters of Credence to President Daniel Chapo during an accreditation ceremony.
“This morning I had the special privilege and distinct honour of presenting my Letters of Credence to His Excellency President Daniel Chapo as the new High Commissioner of Namibia to the Republic of Mozambique,” Thomas told the media.
The Namibian diplomat said his mandate would focus on consolidating the longstanding relationship between the two countries, describing the ties between Namibia and Mozambique as rooted in “historical ties of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation”.
“As I assume my duties as High Commissioner, I will work closely with the Government of Mozambique to consolidate and expand the enduring historical ties of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between the two countries and peoples,” he said.
Thomas identified several sectors as priorities for bilateral cooperation, including agriculture, natural gas, energy, port logistics, defence, sports and cultural exchanges.
“I will concentrate on promoting and enhancing bilateral cooperation between Namibia and Mozambique in the political, economic, and diplomatic spheres,” he said, adding that cooperation would also extend to “agriculture, gas, energy, port logistics, defence, sports, as well as cultural and people-people ties”.
Walvis Bay–Maputo Corridor seen as trade opportunity
Trade promotion is expected to occupy a central position in the new High Commissioner’s diplomatic agenda.
Thomas argued that Namibia and Mozambique have significant economic potential that remains to be fully exploited and called on businesses from both countries to increase cooperation.
“To strengthen bilateral economic ties, I will concentrate on trade promotion, so that the vast economic potentials in both countries are fully tapped for mutual benefit,” he said.
A key instrument in this effort, according to the diplomat, will be the Walvis Bay–Maputo Corridor, which links economic and transport interests across the region and could contribute to greater intra-African trade.
“In this regard, Namibia and Mozambique need to utilize the Walvis Bay-Maputo Corridor to promote bilateral trade and regional economic integration,” Thomas said.
He also appealed directly to the private sector to take advantage of opportunities available in both countries.
“I call upon the business people in Mozambique and Namibia to take advantage of the immense economic opportunities in both countries to collaborate and enhance trade and commerce for mutual benefit of the two nations,” he said.
The emphasis on transport corridors reflects the wider regional drive towards improving connectivity, reducing trade barriers and strengthening economic integration among Southern African countries.
Joint Commission expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation
Beyond trade and investment, Thomas said he would work with both governments to ensure that existing bilateral agreements are implemented.
Particular attention will be given to the operationalisation of the Namibia–Mozambique Joint Commission on Cooperation, a mechanism intended to provide an institutional framework for advancing bilateral relations.
“Similarly, I will work closely with the governments of the two countries to ensure the implementation of bilateral agreements, including the operationalization of the Namibia-Mozambique Joint Commission on Cooperation,” he said.
Thomas described the inauguration of the Joint Commission as an important step for the relationship between Maputo and Windhoek.
“Inauguration of this bilateral Joint Commission is very important, because it has the mandate to implement bilateral cooperation agreements and identify new areas to deepen and consolidate bilateral collaboration in all sectors,” he said.
The mechanism could provide a platform for the two governments to review existing commitments, identify new areas of cooperation and address practical challenges affecting bilateral relations.
SWAPO and FRELIMO ties remain on diplomatic agenda
The new High Commissioner also highlighted the historical relationship between Namibia’s ruling SWAPO Party and Mozambique’s FRELIMO.
Thomas said he would seek to deepen what he described as longstanding bonds of solidarity and cooperation between the two political movements.
“I will also place a particular focus on deepening the strong historical bonds of solidarity and cooperation between SWAPO Party and FRELIMO,” he said.
He described the two organisations as “vanguard sister parties” and said they continue to play a role in promoting social and economic development in their respective countries.
The reference to SWAPO and FRELIMO reflects the historical links between the liberation movements of Southern Africa, whose political and diplomatic relations were shaped by the region’s struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
A new diplomatic chapter
Thomas’ accreditation comes at a time when Namibia and Mozambique are seeking to expand economic cooperation beyond their traditional diplomatic and political ties.
Both countries possess strategic natural resources and important transport infrastructure, while their geographic positions provide opportunities for greater regional trade and investment.
For Maputo, stronger engagement with Namibia could contribute to expanded commercial links with Namibia’s Atlantic-facing economy. For Windhoek, deeper cooperation with Mozambique offers opportunities for access to markets and infrastructure on the Indian Ocean side of Southern Africa.
Thomas’ first public statement as High Commissioner therefore places economic diplomacy at the centre of his mandate, while maintaining the historical political relationship between the two countries.
“As I assume my duties as High Commissioner, I will work closely with the Government of Mozambique,” he said, signalling an approach centred on government-to-government cooperation, private-sector engagement and stronger people-to-people relations.
The new Namibian envoy concluded his statement by thanking the media.
Hora Certa News — Maputo, 12 August 2026
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