Windhoek: Namibia has officially released its Impact Assessment Report on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) in Windhoek on Thursday. This marks Namibia as the first of five pilot countries to successfully complete this launch, representing a significant step towards enhancing evidence-based policymaking and regional economic integration.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the initiative is a collaborative effort among the Namibian government, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the AfCFTA Secretariat, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). At the launch event, National Planning Commission Director General Kaire Mbuende emphasized that the AfCFTA and AIDA frameworks provide Namibia with the means to accelerate economic diversification and strengthen its role in African value chains.
Mbuende stated that the assessment offers an evidence-based analysis of Namibia's readiness to capitalize on these opportunities, examining trade potential, industrial capabilities, and the requisite policy and institutional environment for successful implementation. He noted that the report highlights substantial opportunities for Namibia to expand exports, add value, and enhance industrial development, while stressing the importance of effective implementation, increased competitiveness, and efficient trade and logistics systems in realizing these opportunities.
Furthermore, Mbuende identified key areas for action, including boosting firm-level productivity, improving trade facilitation, enhancing industrial capacity, and aligning investment and skills development with Namibia's strengths. These efforts are crucial, particularly in resource-based industries and regional trade corridors, to establish a strong foundation for greater participation in continental markets.
Akihiko Hoshino, Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), shared that the initiative is being executed through robust collaboration among the AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, and the AfCFTA Secretariat. He explained that AUDA-NEPAD plays a leading coordinating role, working with key development partners such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Afreximbank, the International Trade Centre, and private sector representatives.
Hoshino confirmed JICA's support for Phase One of the initiative, which aims to develop an impact assessment guide. This guide is intended to serve as a standard tool for governments to evaluate and monitor the actual and potential impacts of AIDA and AfCFTA on industrialisation, intra-Africa trade, and broader social development. Pilot assessments are currently being conducted in five countries-Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, and Seychelles-using the newly developed guide.