Oshikoto: The Ministry of International Relations, Cooperation and Trade, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, organized a significant engagement with the business community in Omuthiya to promote Namibia's integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to Namibia Press Agency, the event provided a vital platform for direct dialogue between government officials and the private sector. The focus was on understanding the challenges faced by businesses, discovering export opportunities, and aligning policies to enhance Namibia's participation in the continental trade market. Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi emphasized the importance of identifying overlooked opportunities and creating market access to meet required standards.

Minister Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted that the engagement was about more than just identifying challenges; it was also about optimizing local businesses. She stressed the necessity for local production to ensure that Namibia can access foreign markets within the AfCFTA framework. The Minister warned that without local production, foreign companies would dominate the market, taking advantage of the open pathways created by the AfCFTA.

Governor Sacky Kathindi noted the event's role in fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to transform ideas into action. He underscored the potential for partnerships to unlock new value chains, drive regional integration, and create sustainable employment. Kathindi reiterated the region's readiness to collaborate with national government bodies, regional counterparts, development partners, and local entrepreneurs to translate potential into tangible progress and prosperity.