Windhoek: Namibia is validating a step-by-step guide aimed at supporting trade in goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) during a two-day workshop in Windhoek. The workshop, which started Thursday, brings together government officials, private sector representatives, and development partners to review a draft guide intended to support businesses trading within Africa.According to Namibia Press Agency, Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Chief Executive Officer Titus Nampala stated that the guide is designed to address queries from businesses on how to effectively utilize the AfCFTA. "I sit in a room where companies that are worth a billion dollars and companies that started yesterday are asking the same question about the practicality of the AfCFTA," Nampala said. He emphasized that the guide aims to fill information gaps faced by businesses, providing crucial insights to economic and trade facilitators, as well as lawmakers.Nampala highlighted that Namibia's exports to A frica are concentrated in a limited number of markets, mainly South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique. He noted that Namibia exported goods valued at N.dollars 5.8 billion to Africa and imported goods worth N.dollars 5.3 billion from the continent. "Intra-African trade is below 20 per cent. This means we aren't trading among ourselves," he said, stressing the need for diversification in trade partnerships.Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, acknowledged Namibia's progress in implementing the AfCFTA but noted existing challenges. "A recurring challenge identified during stakeholder consultations is limited access to consolidated, practical, and easily understandable trade information," Nghipondoka-Robiati said. She pointed out that businesses continue to face challenges related to rules of origin, customs documentation, and certification requirements. The executive director also mentioned concerns about waiting until 2029-2030 for duties to be reduced to zero for a number of products.Nghipondoka-Robiati explained that the validation workshop aims to ensure the guide meets the needs of businesses. "The inputs, corrections, and practical feedback provided here will shape the final guide and ensure ownership and implementation," she said.