ONGWEDIVA – Limpopo Province in South Africa is seeking to strengthen trade and investment relations with Namibia through improved cross-border logistics, stronger business partnerships and increased access to regional markets.
Chief director of trade and sector development, Tshilidzi Mathobo, said that stronger cooperation between the two countries could unlock opportunities across key economic sectors. Presenting the Limpopo Market Opportunities and Cross-Border Partnership earlier this week at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, Mathobo highlighted mining, agriculture and tourism as key sectors driving the province’s economy.
“Limpopo has a well-developed agriculture sector, which is a critical driver for the economy, providing sustenance to communities and bolstering rural industries,” he said. He stated that the province’s mining sector contributes up to 30% to its gross domestic product and employs more than 100 000 people.
“Limpopo is endowed with minerals such as platinum group metals, coal, diamonds, chrome, titanium, vanadium and iron ore,” he said. Agriculture contributed 2.3% to Limpopo’s overall GDP in 2024, with the province producing citrus, mangoes, avocados, litchis, papayas and macadamia nuts, among other products.
Mathobo said that regional integration was key to unlocking export opportunities, particularly through SADC, SACU, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The SA ‘butterfly strategy’ prioritises the implementation of the AfCFTA and unlocking opportunities in the rest of Africa as the foundation of our global engagements,” he said.
He reported that the strategy provides access to 55 countries with a combined population of 1.2 billion people and a GDP of US$2.5 trillion. To improve trade with Namibia, Limpopo proposes strengthening logistics through links to the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and developing integrated warehousing, cold-chain and intermodal facilities in Musina. The province also wants to expand cargo freight capabilities at Polokwane Gateway International Airport and establish links with Namibian airports. Mathobo further highlighted the need to harmonise customs procedures and introduce unified digital systems to reduce paperwork and non-tariff barriers.
“The province also wants greater support for informal cross-border traders through designated trading spaces and simplified tax and compliance guidance,” he said. Cross-border trade fairs, including the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, were identified as important platforms for businesses to build partnerships and access new markets.
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