Namibia Strengthens Regional Trade Dialogue at 11th Ministerial Business Engagement

Namibia Strengthens Regional Trade Dialogue at 11th Ministerial Business Engagement. The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, engaged the business community in the Omusati Region during the 11th Ministerial Business Engagement held in Outapi on 31 October 2025. The forum focused on Namibia’s economic integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and explored ways to enhance trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration.

The event brought together government officials, entrepreneurs, and community representatives to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted the Ministry’s role in supporting Namibian companies to access international markets, foster investment, and build trade partnerships that drive national growth.

She urged local businesses to use the platform to communicate their needs and challenges directly to the Ministry, emphasizing that meaningful collaboration between government and the private sector is crucial for sustainable economic development. “Our role is to ensure Namibian businesses are equipped to compete and thrive regionally and globally,” she said.

The Minister encouraged entrepreneurs in Omusati to take full advantage of the region’s strengths in tourism and agriculture, identifying them as key sectors for diversification and employment creation.

Omusati Governor, Honourable Immanuel Shikongo, echoed the Minister’s message, urging business owners to leverage the region’s strategic location near Angola to expand trade and develop cross-border partnerships. He further encouraged entrepreneurs to utilize government support programmes to strengthen their operations and competitiveness.

The engagement concluded with an interactive session, where local business leaders shared their experiences, concerns, and recommendations for improving trade facilitation. The dialogue underscored the growing importance of regional cooperation and private sector involvement in advancing Namibia’s economic transformation under the AfCFTA framework.