Speaking at the Kongwa Liberation Sites in Dodoma yesterday, the Namibian leader said political independence alone was not enough and urged African countries to work together to achieve economic transformation.
“Tanzanians, let us continue to work together. We must liberate our countries and our continent economically,” she said.
Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks after laying wreaths at the graves of three Namibian freedom fighters buried alongside eight others at the historic site, which served as an important base for southern African liberation movements.
She said Tanzania played a pivotal role in Namibia’s struggle for independence and should continue working closely with her country to advance economic progress and regional development.
Her remarks come as African countries seek to strengthen regional integration, expand intra-African trade and build more resilient economies through greater cooperation.
Reflecting on the shared liberation history between the two countries, Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah cited a line from Namibia’s national anthem — “Namibia, land of the brave, their blood waters our freedom” — saying it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by liberation heroes.
“These words are a commitment for us to ensure that what our heroes stood for does not go in vain,” she said.
The President recalled that Tanzania had become a second home for many Namibian freedom fighters, including herself. She lived in Tanzania for six years during the liberation struggle and received education and mentorship from Tanzania’s founding President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
“That is why he used to call me whenever he spotted me, ‘Mama wa SWAPO’. We are here today because of that history. We must carry it forward,” she said.
She noted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan served as guest speaker during her inauguration ceremony earlier this year, describing the gesture as a reflection of the strong ties between the two countries.
Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah also said her decision to deliver her first State of the Nation Address while visiting Tanzania underscored the significance of the relationship.
“Today is my first-ever State of the Nation Address, and I chose to do it in a country that has shaped our history. Their blood waters our freedom,” she said.
The visit highlighted the enduring legacy of Tanzania’s support for southern African liberation movements and the growing emphasis among African leaders on leveraging those historical ties to advance economic cooperation and development.
The Namibian President further directed her country’s Ambassador to Tanzania and the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs to facilitate efforts to reconnect families of liberation fighters buried in Kongwa with their relatives in Namibia.
The directive followed appeals from Kongwa residents who said they had long sought assistance in tracing family members linked to the liberation camps.
Earlier, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, said the liberation struggle had created lasting social and family bonds between the peoples of Tanzania and Namibia.
“We have Namibian people here in Kongwa, and there are Tanzanians in Namibia,” he said, noting that the struggle created enduring cross-border family ties.
Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda said Kiswahili, which played a key role as a language of communication during Africa’s liberation movements, would be celebrated and promoted internationally, including during cultural events planned in Paris later this year.
After visiting the Kongwa Liberation Sites, Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah also inspected a plot allocated to Namibia at Mtumba Government City in Dodoma, where plans are underway for the construction of the Namibian Embassy.
The visit underscored the transition from a relationship rooted in liberation solidarity to one increasingly focused on economic cooperation, investment and regional development as African nations pursue deeper integration and shared prosperity.
Notes to Editors
– Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the historic Kongwa Liberation Sites in Tanzania, a key centre for southern African liberation movements during the anti-colonial struggle.
– The visit highlighted Tanzania's longstanding role in supporting liberation movements across southern Africa, including Namibia's independence struggle.
– President Nandi-Ndaitwah called for a shift from political liberation to economic liberation, urging African countries to deepen economic cooperation and development partnerships.
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