President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged countries considered part of the Global South to work together as members of the Commonwealth bloc.

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah held brief discussions with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at State House.

Countries in the Global South constitute the majority of Commonwealth membership.

The geographical classification emanates from the fact that these countries have historically been marginalised or are less developed compared to those in the Global North.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah wants the Global South to capitalise on its numerical dominance in the Commonwealth.

"We know that the Commonwealth is a mix, but we are the majority, and we have to find a way how we can succeed in getting what we want for our people, and with you managing the administration, I am confident. I have worked with you as ministers of foreign affairs and international relations; I know exactly what you can do. So thank you for giving us this honour to expose Namibia to the Commonwealth and to assure you that our commitment to the Commonwealth and multilateralism remains and to assure you of our support during your tenure as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth."

Secretary-General Ayorkor-Botchwey congratulated the Namibian leader for her achievements in breaking barriers.

"You made time to see me and also to congratulate you on your election. I was in Ghana rooting for you, and I know that your impact will not just be in Namibia but also in the multilateralism system, and you fought for all of us – the causes we believe in, the African Union and beyond – so I know you are solidly behind me. This is a role that I am taking over at a very interesting time, where the international rules-based order is completely fractured. Multilateralism is at its lowest, but for us, I believe it creates an opportunity for the Commonwealth to come together.

The Ghanaian former Foreign Affairs Minister further informed President Nandi-Ndaitwah of the three major priority areas of focus during her tenure as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

The three major priority areas are the promotion of democracy, good governance, and addressing climate issues.

This is the first time that the Commonwealth Business Summit is taking place in Africa, while Namibia is also the first African country to host the trade ministers' meeting of the bloc outside the United Kingdom.