Mariental Hosts 8th Ministerial Business Engagement to Boost Regional Trade and Entrepreneurial Growth

Mariental Hosts 8th Ministerial Business Engagement to Boost Regional Trade and Entrepreneurial Growth. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT), in partnership with the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy (MIME), hosted the 8th Ministerial Business Community Engagement in Mariental on 5 September 2025. The event forms part of a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening Namibia’s integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, opened the session with a moment of silence to honour victims of a recent tragic car accident in the Hardap region, expressing condolences to bereaved families and the community.

The Minister emphasised the importance of local production and economic diversification in driving sustainable growth. She highlighted key sectors including tourism, gemstone mining, dairy, beef, mutton, and crop farming, urging stakeholders to explore additional products and services with export potential that can be integrated into regional and continental value chains under AfCFTA.

Minister Ashipala-Musavyi also highlighted the strategic role of Namibia’s diplomatic missions abroad in supporting business expansion. She encouraged local entrepreneurs to engage with embassies and consulates to access international markets, forge partnerships, and participate in development initiatives that benefit communities.

The engagement reinforced the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business development and regional integration. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi underlined that collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital to achieving sustainable economic prosperity for Namibians.

These regional consultations follow the official launch of trade under AfCFTA, with the goal of raising awareness among Namibia’s business community, empowering local entrepreneurs, and ensuring effective implementation of the agreement nationwide. By connecting businesses with market opportunities, these engagements aim to unlock growth at both regional and continental levels.