Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo — The Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire (PAPN) and the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen port cooperation between the Republic of the Congo and Namibia.
The agreement was signed on 21 August 2026 at PAPN headquarters in Pointe-Noire. It aims to promote knowledge sharing, technical cooperation and stronger maritime trade links along Africa’s Atlantic coast.
Congo and Namibia Deepen Port Ties
The agreement brings together two important Atlantic ports.
PAPN manages the Port of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo. Namport manages Namibia’s main commercial ports, including the Port of Walvis Bay.
The new partnership is designed to help both port authorities share experience and technical expertise. It will also support the exchange of best practices in port management.
The signing ceremony was attended by Constant Mbounda, Congo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad.
Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, also attended the event.
Focus on Technical Knowledge Sharing
The MoU provides a framework for closer cooperation between PAPN and Namport.
The partnership will allow the two institutions to share experience in areas linked to port development and management.
This could include:
- Technical expertise
- Port management practices
- Operational experience
- Institutional knowledge
- Maritime trade development
PAPN Director General Séraphin Bhalat said the agreement would help strengthen ties between the two port platforms.
Pointe-Noire and Walvis Bay Partner
The agreement formally strengthens relations between the Port of Pointe-Noire and the Port of Walvis Bay.
Both ports have an important role in supporting trade along Africa’s western coastline.
The partnership could create opportunities for joint initiatives. It could also improve the performance and competitiveness of the two ports.
The agreement also reflects the wider push for stronger cooperation between African countries.
Boosting Atlantic Maritime Trade
The partnership comes as African countries seek to improve regional trade and transport links.
Efficient ports are essential to this effort. They support the movement of goods between African markets and international destinations.
Stronger cooperation between port authorities can also help institutions learn from each other. This can support improvements in port operations, infrastructure planning and customer services.
For the Congo and Namibia, closer cooperation could therefore support wider maritime and economic development.
Supporting Regional Integration
The two port authorities said the partnership is linked to broader goals for regional integration.
Africa’s Atlantic coastline hosts several major commercial ports. Greater cooperation among these facilities could help strengthen maritime trade networks across the continent.
The MoU also reflects the growing focus on South–South cooperation.
The presence of senior ministers from both countries at the signing ceremony underlined the strategic importance attached to the agreement.
New Opportunities for Port Development
The agreement could create new opportunities for the maritime sector.
PAPN and Namport are expected to explore practical initiatives that can improve port performance and attractiveness.
Such cooperation could also support the exchange of ideas on modern port management and maritime logistics.
The long-term success of the agreement will depend on how quickly the institutions turn the MoU into practical projects.
A Wider African Maritime Partnership
The PAPN-Namport agreement adds to a growing number of partnerships between African port authorities.
These agreements are increasingly focused on sharing expertise and improving the competitiveness of African ports.
For countries seeking to expand intra-African trade, stronger port networks will remain important.
The Congo-Namibia partnership therefore has significance beyond the two ports. It forms part of a wider effort to build stronger maritime connections across Africa.
What the Agreement Means
The MoU creates a formal framework for cooperation between PAPN and Namport.
Its potential benefits include:
- Stronger technical cooperation
- Better port management practices
- Increased knowledge sharing
- Improved maritime trade links
- Greater regional integration
- New opportunities for joint initiatives
Both institutions now face the task of turning the agreement into measurable results.
If implemented effectively, the partnership could strengthen the position of Pointe-Noire and Walvis Bay within Africa’s growing maritime trade network.
Related Stories
- Original MaritimAfrica report
- Namibian Ports Authority
- International Maritime Organization
- African Union
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