Govt To Engage Business Community in North-Eastern Regions

By Staff Reporter

The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), will host regional business engagements from 6 to 8 August 2025 in the Zambezi, Kavango East, and Kavango West Regions to promote participation in African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

These consultations aim to facilitate Namibia’s integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) , by fostering direct dialogue between government officials and the Namibian business community, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The engagements are designed to raise awareness, identify export-ready businesses, and discuss policy measures needed to unlock opportunities under the AfCFTA framework. By engaging stakeholders at the regional level, the Ministries aim to ensure that all corners of Namibia are prepared to benefit from the emerging continental trade landscape.

The consultations also seek to strengthen public-private sector collaboration and build a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential faced by Namibian enterprises. Through open dialogue, government representatives hope to gather valuable insights from local businesses, address existing barriers to trade, and promote sustainable economic development.

“These sessions are a critical step in aligning Namibia’s domestic trade environment with the broader goals of continental integration,” said a statement issued jointly by MIRT and MIME. “They reflect our shared commitment to ensuring that Namibian businesses large and small are empowered to compete and thrive in the African market.”

The regional outreach comes shortly after Namibia marked a milestone with its first official export under the AfCFTA, signaling the country’s growing readiness and commitment to regional economic integration. The success of that export serves as both a symbol and catalyst for further national involvement in the agreement.

Following the initial round of engagements in the north-eastern regions, similar consultations will be rolled out in the remaining parts of the country in the coming weeks, as part of a nationwide drive to promote inclusive economic participation under the AfCFTA.

In conclusion, through these efforts, Namibia aims to position itself not only as a participant but as a competitive player in the African continental market, while ensuring that no region or business is left behind in this historic shift towards intra-African trade.

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