Namibia Advances AfCFTA Participation Through Regional Business Engagements in Otjozondjupa

Namibia Advances AfCFTA Participation Through Regional Business Engagements in Otjozondjupa. The Namibian government has continued its national outreach efforts to promote private sector engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), holding the second regional consultation with the business community in Otjiwarongo, Otjozondjupa Region, on Friday, 18 July 2025.

Organised by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) in partnership with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), the session forms part of a broader nationwide initiative aimed at facilitating Namibia’s integration into AfCFTA by fostering direct dialogue between government and the private sector.

The event brought together representatives from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), local manufacturers, and exporters to explore practical pathways for participating in intra-African trade. Discussions focused on aligning national policy frameworks with AfCFTA protocols, identifying businesses with export potential, and addressing regulatory or logistical barriers.

Officials emphasised that these regional engagements are critical for equipping businesses with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to operate competitively within the newly established continental market. The ministries also reiterated their commitment to public-private collaboration as a cornerstone of sustainable trade development.

The Otjozondjupa engagement follows Namibia’s recent milestone of completing its first official export under AfCFTA, a symbolic step that reflects the country’s readiness to deepen its economic ties across Africa.

Further sessions are planned across all 14 regions of Namibia, with the goal of building a nationwide understanding of AfCFTA’s opportunities and creating inclusive pathways for participation.