Staff Reporter
THE Minister of International Relations, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has called on the Republic of the Congo to increase investment in Namibian businesses and strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
“Trade between us is unacceptably low. So today, I came to you with a simple message: Namibia wants to trade, invest and collaborate more with the Republic of the Congo. And we would like the Republic of the Congo to trade, invest and collaborate more with Namibia. We want to see Namibian products on Congolese shelves, in Congolese restaurants and in Congolese homes. Similarly, we want to see Congolese products reaching Namibian consumers and Namibian businesses. This is the essence of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
She made these remarks during a Business Forum in Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo. The meeting formed part of her ministerial working visit to the country.
Photos: Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-Namibia
Ashipala-Musavyi identified Namibia’s agricultural and agro-processing value chains as key areas with potential for increased Congolese investment.
“For Namibia, Meatco represents an important component of our agricultural and agro-processing value chain. Namibia is proud of the quality and standards associated with our beef, and we see opportunities to expand the presence of Namibian beef in the Congolese market,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
She said Namibia’s vision for stronger economic ties with the Republic of the Congo extends beyond the export of finished products, emphasising the need for businesses from both countries to work together across the broader value chain. Areas of potential collaboration include food processing, distribution, cold-chain logistics, hospitality and retail.
“Namibia also has opportunities in fisheries, agriculture and horticulture, including dates, blueberries, grapes and other value-added products, which we export to Africa, Europe and Asia. Our fish resources and fisheries sector, mining and salt also provide avenues through which we can deepen commercial cooperation,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
Turning to the energy sector, Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia’s recent offshore oil and gas discoveries in the Orange Basin have positioned the country as an emerging frontier for hydrocarbon exploration.
“We know that you have been in this sector for a long time. We invite Congolese energy majors and service companies to join us on this journey. We offer not just resources, but joint venture opportunities that respect environmental standards and place the pursuit of socio-economic development at the centre,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
