Namibia Officially Begins Trading Under AfCFTA Framework with First Export from Walvis Bay

Namibia Officially Begins Trading Under AfCFTA Framework with First Export from Walvis Bay. Namibia has officially commenced trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), marking a pivotal step in the country’s trade and economic development efforts. The landmark event took place on 30 June 2025 in Walvis Bay, where the nation’s first export consignment under the AfCFTA framework was formally launched.

The ceremony was officiated by the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, and signals Namibia’s transition from policy commitment to implementation in the AfCFTA process.

The AfCFTA, a key initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, seeks to establish a single continental market for goods and services. It represents over 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of approximately US$3.4 trillion. Namibia’s participation in this initiative positions the country to access broader regional markets and enhance its global trade competitiveness.

Namibia has steadily progressed towards this moment. The country signed the AfCFTA agreement on 2 July 2018, ratified it on 25 January 2019, and deposited the ratification on 1 February 2019. In December 2024, the government gazetted its AfCFTA tariff offer, completing a key step toward operational readiness.

Through this framework, Namibian exporters are expected to benefit from reduced tariffs and harmonised trade procedures, enabling smoother cross-border trade. This development is also anticipated to drive economic diversification, create employment opportunities, and stimulate industrial growth across various sectors.