Windhoek, Namibia, 5 February 2026 (ECA) – Namibia has taken a decisive step in the direction of strengthening non-public sector participation in continental commerce with the official opening of the Validation Workshop for the Step-by-Step Guide for Trading in Goods beneath the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), scheduled to happen from 5 to six February 2026 on the Mercure Hotel Windhoek.
The workshop was formally opened by Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT), represented by Mr Asser Nashikaku, Director of International Trade at MIRT. It is collectively organised by MIRT, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) by means of its Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) and the Africa Trade Policy Centre (ATPC).
In her opening message, Ms Nghipondoka-Robiati described the AfCFTA as a cornerstone of Africa’s commerce and industrialisation agenda, aimed toward making a single, built-in marketplace for items and providers whereas enhancing the competitiveness of African economies. She emphasised that, for Namibia, efficient implementation of the Agreement is essential to increasing export alternatives, strengthening participation in regional worth chains, and advancing inclusive financial progress, notably for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), girls and youth.
She highlighted Namibia’s regular progress in implementing the AfCFTA Agreement, together with the event of the National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy (2022-2027) with technical assist from ECA. Despite this progress, Ms. Nghipondoka-Robiati famous that consultations with companies proceed to disclose restricted entry to consolidated, sensible and user-friendly commerce data as a key constraint. She careworn that coverage commitments alone are inadequate to ship tangible AfCFTA advantages, as merchants usually face challenges navigating guidelines of origin, product classification, customs procedures, certification, documentation and border processes.
She defined that the Step-by-Step Guide for Trading in Goods beneath the AfCFTA, along with the combination of AfCFTA content material into the Namibia Trade Information Portal, is meant to straight deal with these challenges. The validation workshop, she mentioned, is a essential step in guaranteeing that these instruments are correct, related and attentive to the actual wants of the enterprise neighborhood.
Speaking on the opening session, Ms Zodwa Mabuza, Chief of the Subregional Initiatives Section at ECA’s SRO-SA, delivering remarks on behalf of Ms Eunice G. Kamwendo, Director of SRO-SA, underscored the significance of the validation train in translating the AfCFTA from coverage into observe.
“The Step-by-Step Guide is designed to move the AfCFTA from policy to practice. By providing clear, practical and accessible information, the Guide will empower Namibian businesses-particularly MSMEs, women and youth-led enterprises-to navigate trade requirements, access new markets, and participate fully in Africa’s single market,” Ms Mabuza mentioned.
Ms Kamwendo famous that Namibia is amongst a choose group of pilot nations creating a step-by-step information for buying and selling beneath the AfCFTA, describing the initiative as a key milestone in strengthening non-public sector readiness. She emphasised that the success of the AfCFTA will largely rely upon efficient uptake by the non-public sector, with the Guide serving as an informational “walking stick” for navigating cross-border commerce necessities.
Representing the non-public sector, Mr Titus Nampala, Chief Executive Officer of the NCCI, described the validation of the Guide as a turning level in addressing long-standing enterprise considerations concerning the sensible implementation of the AfCFTA. He famous that companies have persistently sought readability on how you can operationalise the Agreement and mentioned the Guide responds on to this want by translating commitments into actionable steps.
Mr Nampala highlighted the AfCFTA’s transformative potential for Namibian companies throughout sectors, together with agro-processing, fisheries, manufacturing, vitality, telecommunications and providers. He noticed that, regardless of rising engagement in intra-African commerce, Namibia’s exports stay concentrated in a slender vary of merchandise and markets. As of December 2025, Namibia exported items value N$5.8 billion to African markets and imported N$5.3 billion, underscoring the necessity for better product and market diversification past SACU.
The validation workshop brings collectively representatives from authorities establishments, the non-public sector, MSMEs, improvement companions and the media to evaluate the accuracy, relevance and user-friendliness of the Guide, whereas additionally recommending efficient dissemination methods, together with reaching companies in distant and rural areas.
Following validation, the Guide might be built-in into Namibia’s Trade Information Portal, with coaching offered to make sure its efficient upkeep and use. ECA has additional inspired linking the Portal to the SADC Online Trade, Technology and Investment Platform (SOTIP) to reinforce continental visibility and entry.
MIRT, ECA and NCCI expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the Government of Japan for its monetary assist, and all stakeholders who contributed to the event of the Guide.
The two-day workshop marks an vital milestone in empowering Namibian companies to commerce smarter, compete successfully and seize alternatives in Africa’s single market.
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Ms. Rosalia Uushona
Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT)
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Sharon Zaaruka
NCCI Marketing and SME Development Officer
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Bedson Nyoni
Senior Information Management Assistant
ECA Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa
Email: [email protected]
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: [email protected]
Source: UNECA