The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, Jenelly Matundu, has reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to promoting international standards and strengthening technical regulations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Matundu addressed the inauguration of a four-day workshop hosted by the Namibian Standards Institute (NSI) in Windhoek.

The workshop is organised in collaboration with the African Continental Technical Regulatory Framework (ACTReF) Secretariat and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

It brought together stakeholders from across Africa, the US, Germany, and other international partners to share experiences and strengthen cooperation on regulatory alignment.

Jennely Matundu, the deputy of Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, spoke on her behalf and said, "Allow me to reaffirm Namibia's continued commitment to advancing regulatory coherence and promoting the use of international standards as a bridge between policy, trade, and sustainable development. Together, we can build a more integrated, trusted, and competitive African Continental Technical Regulatory Framework (ACTReF)."

The Programme Manager for Capacity Building at ISO, Cindy Parokkil, highlighted ISO's partnership with ACTReF in convening member states and facilitating knowledge exchange. 

"This is an instrumental workshop where we're really helping implement the African Continental Technical Regulatory Framework through NAPTRF and international standards. International standards are the key that can help bring forward regulatory cooperation and facilitate trade."

The NSI CEO, Eino Emvula, said collaboration partners strengthen the ties that bind nations.

ACTReF, adopted by the AU last year, aims to harmonise technical regulations across member states, reduce trade barriers, and build a more integrated and competitive African market.