Swakopmund: The Africa Economic Leadership Council (AELC) is set to host a significant three-day trade expo and business summit in Swakopmund next week. The event aims to expedite trade, unlock investment flows, and enhance economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to Namibia Press Agency, the summit will gather key stakeholders, including African governments, global investors, private sector leaders, development institutions, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and innovators from May 28 to 30, 2026. Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi will deliver a keynote address focusing on the AfCFTA and market accessibility. Erongo Region Governor Nathalia /Goagoses is also scheduled to speak at the event, which will be held at the Municipal Tennis Court.
The council, in a media release on Monday, outlined a comprehensive program that includes plenary sessions, a CEO roundtable on regional value chains, business-to-business matchmaking sessions, and investment pitch opportunities for startups and small businesses. The event will conclude with a gala dinner and awards ceremony on May 30, in celebration of Africa Day. Key sectors to be discussed include mining, energy, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and the digital economy.
AELC's statistics indicate that intra-African trade is currently at 15 percent, compared to over 65 percent of the continent's trade conducted with Europe and Asia. The AfCFTA, which has been signed by 54 out of 55 African Union member states, including Namibia, aims to connect 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined GDP of USD 3.4 trillion. In Namibia, micro, small, and medium enterprises contribute approximately 12 percent to the GDP.
Nicholas Kabaso, CEO of the Lusaka Securities Exchange, has emphasized the AfCFTA's vision of fostering an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by enterprising citizens. Previous editions of the summit in 2022 and 2023 attracted over 200 delegates from various countries, including Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Rwanda, Japan, and India.
Strategic partners for the summit include the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, R¶ssing Uranium, Erongo RED, and the Swakopmund Municipality.