Sanaa:The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) is calling on Zimbabwean businesses to enhance their trade and investment relationships with Namibia. This initiative aims to unlock opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, energy, and value addition across both markets.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Peter Shivute, NIPDB Executive for Market Access and Export Promotion, emphasized the need for existing bilateral frameworks to translate into tangible business opportunities during the official opening of the ZimTrade Exploratory Export Mission in Namibia.

The three-day mission, concluding on Friday, is organized by ZimTrade in collaboration with NIPDB and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI). Shivute noted that trade between Namibia and Zimbabwe is currently underperforming, with Zimbabwe's exports to Namibia valued at approximately US$5 million. Presently, Namibia exports petroleum products, frozen fish, fertilizers, and meat to Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe exports tobacco and pharmaceuticals to Namibia.

Shivute highlighted the potential for both countries to diversify trade and increase value addition, leveraging industrial and natural resource strengths. He identified agriculture, agro-processing, food security, consumer goods, chemicals, horticulture, mining, energy, tourism, and creative industries as areas ripe for investment.

The Walvis Bay port was singled out as a key logistics hub for Zimbabwean businesses seeking access to regional and international markets. Shivute encouraged companies to capitalize on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) markets.

NIPDB has developed investor guides on taxation, banking, land access, and business registration to assist companies looking to establish operations in Namibia. The organization also facilitates engagements with government institutions regarding industrial land, taxation, environmental approvals, and immigration.

Shivute mentioned that Namibia's investment-ready opportunities include fish farming, greenhouse projects, manufacturing, and land development. The mission aims to bring together businesses from Zimbabwe and Namibia to identify partnerships, expand trade, and explore investment opportunities between the two countries.