PAPN and Namport Sign Memorandum to Strengthen Port Cooperation Between Congo and Namibia
Maritime and port cooperation between the Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Namibia has entered a new phase. On 21 August 2026, the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire (PAPN) and the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) took a significant step forward by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the auditorium of PAPN headquarters in Pointe-Noire.
The signing ceremony was attended by Constant Mbounda, Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad, and Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade.
A shared commitment to stronger port partnerships
The Memorandum of Understanding reflects the determination of both port authorities to deepen their relationship and leverage their respective expertise to support the development of their port platforms.
In his welcome address, Séraphin Bhalat, Director General of the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire, welcomed the presence of the two foreign ministers and emphasized the importance of the occasion. He highlighted the key areas of cooperation covered by the agreement, noting that they will further strengthen ties between the two port platforms.
According to Mr. Bhalat, beyond its institutional significance, the memorandum paves the way for closer cooperation between the Congolese and Namibian ports by creating a framework for the exchange of experience, technical expertise, and best practices in port management.
A new chapter for PAPN and the Port of Walvis Bay
The signing of the MoU—the highlight of the ceremony—formalized the commitment of the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire and the Port of Walvis Bay to work together in a spirit of collaboration and strategic partnership.
Through this agreement, the leaders of both ports reaffirmed their shared ambition to strengthen cooperation and contribute more effectively to regional integration and the development of maritime trade along Africa’s Atlantic coastline.
The memorandum marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations between PAPN and Namport, with the prospect of implementing joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance, attractiveness, and competitiveness of both ports. It is a partnership expected to generate new opportunities for the maritime and port sector while further strengthening the relationship between Congo and Namibia.
The presence of the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad, alongside Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, underscores the importance both countries place on advancing South–South cooperation.
By Antoine Dustell Mbama, Maritimafrica Correspondent in the Republic of the Congo
