Namibia is turning to China's agricultural expertise to revive local research institutions, strengthen seed production and improve access to the Chinese market.

This follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's visit to the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Sichuan Province, China.

Namibia and South Africa will discuss ways to remove barriers to cross-border trade and improve transport and logistics to support the seamless movement of processed goods.

China has encouraged more competitive Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Namibia as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah concludes her state visit and invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to undertake a state visit to Namibia.

Namibia and China have signed several agreements following talks between Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Xi Jinping in Beijing.

The agreements cover phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh Namibian table grapes to China and cooperation in technical and vocational education and training.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has tasked Namibian businesses with developing bankable projects that can unlock and attract Chinese investment, translating to sustained economic growth. 

Businesses in Rundu reported a significant uptick in trade after thousands of visitors descended on the town for the Public Enterprises Games.

Botswana has approached Zimbabwe to establish an enhanced economic partnership, coinciding with Botswana's significant economic shift aimed at reducing its dependency on diamonds and exploring new avenues for growth.

The Zambezi Governor, Dorothy Kabula, is concerned about delays in the implementation of the One Stop Border Post initiative as well as unresolved operation challenges at the Kalimbeza Rice Project.

These projects hold economic potential for the country at large and the people of the region.

Namibia has intensified efforts to attract investment as it targets export growth from N$102 billion to N$168 billion by 2030.

International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says the country's economic agenda is focused on value addition and industrialisation.

It's all systems go ahead of the 9th Southern African Customs Union Heads of State and Governments' Summit on Friday.

The summit scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, follows a series of SACU institutional meetings.