Windhoek:Namibia's strategic position on the Atlantic Ocean offers significant trade and investment advantages, yet its geographical location alone is not sufficient to ensure prosperity, as emphasized by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Jerobeam Shaanika, the Executive Director of the ministry, made these remarks during the launch of the Namibia Step-by-Step Guide to Trading Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He highlighted the importance of leveraging the country's natural resources, productive sectors, and infrastructure strategically to enhance regional and continental trade.
Shaanika pointed out the challenges faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises due to the dispersed nature of information across various government institutions and regulatory agencies. He noted that even businesses with competitive products and capacity might struggle with documentation, permits, customs procedures, and standards, leading to unnecessary costs and discouraging entrepreneurship.
The newly launched guide aims to consolidate the procedures and requirements for exporting and importing into a single resource, outlining each stage, necessary documents, and regulatory requirements. It also details procedures for products vital to the economy and provides key contact information and trade laws.
Shaanika emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of integration under the AfCFTA reach emerging entrepreneurs, women-owned, youth-led businesses, and rural enterprises. He warned against the guide becoming a mere publication, urging businesses to integrate it into their practical operations.
Namibia ratified the AfCFTA agreement in January 2019 and launched its National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy in November 2022. Its first export to Nigeria under the agreement in June 2025 signaled the transition from aspiration to application, as noted by Shaanika. The guide was validated at a stakeholder workshop in early February 2026, following consultations with various ministries, agencies, and the private sector.