Kavango West regional leaders welcomed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a platform that will greatly benefit the region and its residents.

They said this during the regional engagement organised by the Ministries of International Relations and Trade and Industries, Mines and Energy at Nkurenkuru.

Kavango West governor, Verna Sinimbo, said the region has fertile land and is rich in forest resources and cultural heritage, both of which can be used to capitalise on the free trade area platform.

"To seize this opportunity, we must bridge the gaps; invest in rural infrastructure, expand value chains, promote agro-processing, and support our entrepreneurs. We must create enabling conditions for Kavango West to trade, compete, and grow. As a region, we stand ready to work with the national government, the private sector, and regional partners to unlock growth and shared prosperity under the AfCFTA."

Kavango West has a population of more than 123,000, of which 15,000 households' livelihood depends on agriculture. 

It has an unemployment rate of 53%, while joblessness among youth is at 58%.

Sinimbo said the figures are not just statistics but daily struggles faced by farmers, youth, women, and small businesses.

The engagement serves as a platform for policymakers and businesses to exchange ideas on how Namibian products can access the market.

"I have brought experts with me to just update us a little bit in terms of what new has occurred, what the opportunities are and how we can take advantage of this opportunity. I hope that by now you also know that Namibia has already started trading under this free trade area," said Minister Ashipala-Musavyi.

Ashipala-Musavyi added that trade liberalisation also creates competition for the local producers, stating that they are at an advanced stage of establishing a tariff management body to ensure that Namibia's economy is safeguarded against unfair trade practices.