Walvis bay: Namibia's well-developed road infrastructure and the Port of Walvis Bay position the country as a strategic gateway for regional and continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This was emphasized by the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, during a two-day Validation Workshop on the Step-by-Step Guide for Trading in Goods under the AfCFTA.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Gatete, whose speech was read by Zodwa Mabuza, UNECA Chief of the Subregional Initiatives Section, highlighted Namibia's exceptional road network and world-class port facilities in Walvis Bay. These assets provide Namibia with a significant advantage as a transport and logistics hub within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, offering substantial growth opportunities in trade-related services.
Gatete pointed out that Namibia serves as a crucial route for landlocked countries such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the hinterlands of Tanzania. This alternative route helps alleviate congestion at the Port of Durban, enhancing trade efficiency in the region. The increase in intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework is expected to further bolster Namibia's logistics and transport sector.
Namibia is among a select group of pilot countries that have crafted a step-by-step guide for trading under AfCFTA. This initiative is seen as a significant milestone in enhancing the readiness of the private sector. The guide aims to transform the AfCFTA from a conceptual vision into a practical tool to drive development and prosperity in Namibia.
Gatete stressed that the success of AfCFTA hinges on effective adoption and utilization by the private sector. The shifting global trade environment and rising protectionism highlight the need for African countries to collaborate in promoting intra-African trade and investment. Addressing issues such as youth unemployment and inequality requires identifying alternative markets, a role AfCFTA is poised to fulfill.
The workshop was organized by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, through its Subregional Office for Southern Africa and Africa Trade Policy Centre. Gatete encouraged participants to contribute feedback to ensure the guide is both accurate and user-friendly, equipping businesses with essential information for navigating cross-border trade under the AfCFTA.