Windhoek:Namibian exporters have been given the opportunity to benefit from China's zero-tariff market access until 30 April 2028. However, Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi emphasized that duty-free entry alone will not ensure sales success. This announcement was made during the China-Africa Cooperation Symposium.
According to NAMPA, Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted that China has extended zero-tariff treatment across all tariff lines to 20 additional African countries, including Namibia, effective from 01 May 2026. She stressed the importance of overcoming non-tariff barriers, stating that tariff-free access must be complemented by compliance with rules of origin, quality, packaging, and phytosanitary standards, as well as maintaining consistent supply and timely delivery.
A Namibia Trade Forum factsheet outlines that at least 40% of a product's free-on-board price must originate from regional partners, with final production occurring in the member state applying for zero-tariff access. Ashipala-Musavyi mentioned the July 2026 phytosanitary protocol for exporting Namibian table grapes to China as a successful example of translating diplomatic commitments into market opportunities, and she suggested similar efforts be applied to processed foods, meat, and fisheries.
The minister also discussed ongoing negotiations on the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development (CADEPA), which aims to secure lasting benefits through export diversification, investment, and technology transfer. She called for support from both the government and the private sector to help exporters with standards compliance, documentation, logistics, and establishing buyer connections.
Economic Association of Namibia chairperson Jason Kasuto pointed out that Namibia's ability to consistently supply the Chinese market is a significant challenge. Kasuto remarked that a zero tariff is merely an invitation, and its value is contingent on Namibia's capacity to meet it. He identified a lack of enterprises with the necessary scale, certification, working capital, and logistics capacity to meet Chinese demand consistently. Kasuto warned that merely welcoming new trade agreements without implementation would not significantly impact trade figures. He also mentioned that the association is preparing a policy brief to present to policymakers, involving the Chinese Embassy and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
The symposium, themed "China-Africa Partnership at 70 Deepening Collaboration and Exchanges," was hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia in partnership with the Chinese Embassy.