20th February 2026
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade has clarified that it does not determine which products Namibian exporters trade within Africa, emphasizing that such decisions rest with businesses. However, the ministry strongly encourages the export of value-added goods in line with government policy aimed at industrialization and economic diversification.
Deputy Minister Jennely Matundu said the African Continental Free Trade Area provides a conducive platform for Namibian enterprises to access regional markets. She noted that while the government negotiates favorable market access and creates an enabling trade environment, businesses must actively seize the opportunities presented by preferential access under the AfCFTA. Namibia signed the agreement in July 2018, ratified it in January 2019, and formally deposited its instrument of ratification with the African Union Commission in February 2019.
Matundu explained that products classified under Category A will see tariffs reduced to zero by 2031 under a ten-year liberalization period that began in January 2021. In the interim, many Namibian traders continue to utilize existing duty-free arrangements under the Southern African Customs Union and the Southern African Development Community. Namibia has also performed strongly in regional integration, ranking fourth in Africa in 2023 and second in trade integration among 54 countries.
Trade data reflects steady growth. According to the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), Namibia’s total exports reached N$102.1 billion in 2024, while imports stood at N$166.6 billion, resulting in a continued trade deficit driven by high import levels. Intra-African trade has improved significantly, with exports to African markets reaching N$4.7 billion and imports N$7.7 billion by September 2024. Namibia’s key exports include diamonds, uranium, gold, fish and copper, alongside emerging horticultural products.
To strengthen its position under the AfCFTA, the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade launched the National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy and Action Plan in 2023. The strategy prioritizes value addition in meat and dairy products, horticulture, cosmetics, textiles and leather goods, as well as mineral beneficiation and downstream processing of iron, steel and base metals. Businesses seeking to trade under the AfCFTA must register with the Namibia Revenue Agency to comply with Rules of Origin and other agreement protocols, ensuring that eligible products can access continental markets.