Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on the Namibian youth to focus in the areas of economic development for the political independence of the country.

Nandi-Ndaitwah made these remarks in her speech delivered on her behalf on Monday at the official opening of the Discover Namibia Intra-Africa Exposition and Business Summit hosted by the Africa Economic Leadership Council (AELC) in Swakopmund.

“Young people must develop interest to participate in all sectors of the economy, especially the emerging sectors and opportunities coming from Namibia’s plans to develop a green hydrogen plant and in the oil as well as the gas industry with the recent discovery of oil in Namibia,” she noted.

Launched in April 2021, AELC, a non-profit organisation, aims to promote intra-African trade through connecting and fostering global networks for African entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The event aims to connect African entrepreneurs and business traders, in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, meant to strengthen inter-African trade and improve the continent’s economic standing on the world market.

Nandi-Ndaitwah added that Namibia’s ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement is a sign that Namibia is serious about the transformation of African economies to increase productivity and efficiencies as well as the diversification of the competitiveness of African industries.

AELC president and co-founder Heinrich Nghidipaya at the event emphasised that the event will indeed provide a platform to promote intra-Africa trade.

“Our mandate is very simple; it is to be able to connect African entrepreneurs and business leaders, inspired by the AfCFTA. This is a step into the Africa we want,” he said.

Nghidipaya noted that there is a role to be played by everyone to increase the current trade margin among African nations, which is currently less than 17 per cent.

Various speakers from Namibia, Japan, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Cameroon are participating in different topics under various economic sectors including tourism and hospitality, banking and finance, fishing and mining, the Blue Economy, agriculture, ICT, logistics and trade.

Over 50 exhibitors are also showcasing their products and services at the three-day trade expo.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency