Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of International Relations and Trade, in partnership with the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, will be visiting all regions across the country to raise awareness about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement among the business community.
The Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Penda Naanda, announced that the first session will take place in Swakopmund, Erongo Region today, followed by a second engagement in Otjiwarongo, Otjozondjupa Region, on Friday, 18 July 2025. This will be followed by similar sessions across the remaining regions of the country.
According to Naanda, the purpose of these sessions is to support Namibia’s integration into the AfCFTA framework.
“These engagements serve as a critical platform for direct dialogue between government officials and the private sector, including SMEs, aimed at fostering mutual understanding, identifying export-ready businesses, and aligning policy measures to support Namibia’s active participation in the African Continental market,” he added.
He emphasised that the regional outreach reflects the ministries’ commitment to strengthening public-private collaboration and ensuring that Namibian businesses are well equipped to seize the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.
“Through these consultations, the ministries seek to gather vital insights, address existing challenges, and promote the development of sustainable trade practices within the country. This nationwide engagement process complements the recent launch of trade under AfCFTA, which featured Namibia’s first export under the agreement, symbolising the country’s readiness and commitment to deepening its integration into the continental market,” he said.
