Namibia Deepens Private Sector Dialogue Ahead of AfCFTA Integration

Namibia Deepens Private Sector Dialogue Ahead of AfCFTA Integration. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), has launched a series of regional business engagements aimed at preparing Namibia’s private sector for deeper participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The consultations are part of a nationwide effort to strengthen Namibia’s readiness for continental trade integration and will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across three regions. The sessions will be held on 31 October 2025 in Outapi (Omusati Region), 1 November 2025 in Oshakati (Oshana Region), and 3 November 2025 in Omuthiya (Oshikoto Region).

According to the ministries, these regional dialogues are designed to create a direct platform for engagement between government and the business community — including small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The goal is to identify export-ready businesses, understand regional trade barriers, and align national policies with the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.

The initiative forms part of Namibia’s broader strategy to promote inclusive trade growth and enhance local capacity to access new markets across Africa. The AfCFTA, which aims to create a single African market for goods and services, presents significant opportunities for Namibian producers and exporters seeking to expand their reach.

Through these sessions, MIRT and MIME hope to gather valuable insights from the private sector, address operational challenges, and strengthen public-private collaboration to ensure that Namibian businesses are equipped to compete effectively on the continental stage.