Zimbabwe's National Trade Promotion Organisation (ZimTrade) is working with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry to deepen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
A three-day outward trade mission brought together businesses, potential buyers and investors to explore new markets, exchange knowledge and identify commercial opportunities.
The initiative follows ZimTrade's participation at the Windhoek Agricultural and Commercial Show three years ago, which helped strengthen business links between the two countries.
The current mission covers sectors including education, agriculture, horticulture, engineering, logistics and beverages, while also providing Zimbabwean businesses with insights into Namibia's market requirements, distribution channels and regulatory framework.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, said the initiative supports both countries' efforts to use economic diplomacy to expand trade and investment.
"It aligns very well with Zimbabwe’s foreign policy, which places strong emphasis on economic diplomacy. As articulated by the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe is open for business. The country’s economic diplomacy is aimed at facilitating trade, investment, international tourism, and economic cooperation with other nations, as well as with regional and multilateral blocs. Economic diplomacy is also a central pillar of Namibia’s foreign policy under President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who consistently advocates for enhanced trade and business partnerships among African countries.”
The Minister of International Relations and Trade, in a speech delivered on her behalf by the Deputy Director for Trade Promotion, Sakeus Kapenda, called for stronger follow-up between businesses and institutions.
“As we move forward, I encourage our institutions to maintain regular communications and to translate today's engagement into concrete follow-up activities. This should include identifying specific products and services with export potential, facilitating business-to-business engagements, sharing market intelligence, and addressing practical barriers that may prevent businesses from trading with one another.”
ZimTrade's manager for the Southern Region, Jacqueline Nyathi, stated that Namibia is an important market for Zimbabwe and a potential gateway to other African markets.
“Through the Walvis Bay port, we are able to actually tap into West African markets. As part of our trusted country, market diversification is what is driving us right now. We want to reduce dependence on just a few markets, known as traditional markets for Zimbabwe.”
NIPDB Board Executive for Market Access and Import Promotion, Peter Shivute, added that the engagement is also helping Zimbabwean companies understand the requirements for operating in Namibia.
The event ends on Friday, 09 October, in Windhoek.