Staff Reporter
The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has tabled the International Trade Management Bill in Parliament, which seeks to establish an International Trade Management Commission to oversee Namibia’s tariff regime and international trade matters.
“The Commission will investigate, determine, and recommend tariff adjustments, including customs duties, rebates, and refunds, on the basis of rigorous economic analysis and consistent with Namibia’s regional and international obligations,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi said the Bill comes at a time when global trade is becoming increasingly complex due to geopolitical developments, changing regulations and technological advances.
“Unilateral and protectionist measures are being advanced, shipping and energy costs are escalating. Changing supply chains are making international commerce less predictable, which has resulted in the largest economies increasingly adopting business-first approaches in their bilateral engagements,” Ashipala-Musavyi continued.
She said African economies remain vulnerable to changes in commodity prices and external demand, while rising transport, energy and compliance costs place additional pressure on smaller exporters.
The minister also noted that environmental standards, technical regulations and other non-tariff measures can increase the cost of accessing major markets.
“Clearly, the broader global environment therefore creates a mixed picture for Africa; as geopolitical and regulatory fragmentation create risks, but shifts in supply chains, demand for critical minerals, digital services and greater South-South trade also provide opportunities for African economies to diversify their trading relationships and move into higher-value activities. I cannot overemphasize that tariff is one of the important tools for Industrialisation, as well as a tool influencing the cost of doing business,” the minister said.
She said the proposed Commission would be responsible for tariff adjustments, including customs duties, rebates and refunds, based on economic analysis and Namibia’s regional and international obligations.
“Tariff decisions must be balanced. The Commission will be required to weigh the interests of producers against the impact on households and downstream industries, so that protection is never granted at the expense of affordability,” she added.
The Commission would also address unfair trade practices and provide trade remedies where Namibian industries are affected by imports.
“The Commission will be empowered to investigate and act on dumping, subsidised imports, and import surges that affect Namibian producers, through anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures as well as the implementation of the Infant Industry Protection which is provided for under Article 26 of the SACU Agreement, gives emerging industries the necessary time to build capacity, create jobs and compete with established producers,” she explained.
Ashipala-Musavyi said the Commission would also advise the Government on trade policy, tariff strategy and Namibia’s positions in international trade negotiations.
She said the Bill provides for transparent and predictable decision-making, including public notification, stakeholder participation, published reasons and opportunities for review. She added that it also provides for merit-based appointments, sound financial management and annual reporting to ensure accountability.
“It (the Bill) supports industrialisation and value addition. Namibia’s Vision 2030 calls for a structural shift from exporting raw materials to producing and exporting finished goods. Targeted and carefully calibrated tariff measures, applied with clear objectives and periodic review, are among the tools needed to nurture emerging local industries, attract investment, and create sustainable jobs,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi said the proposed framework would help protect domestic producers and jobs from unfair trading practices while providing greater certainty for investors and traders.
She said a transparent and rules-based tariff system could also reduce investment risks and strengthen Namibia’s participation in regional and continental trade.
“A well-resourced national institution will enable Namibia to negotiate from a position of knowledge and strength, and to prepare our economy to benefit from expanded market access across Africa and beyond,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
Photo: Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-Namibia
