Namibia’s AfCFTA Opportunity: Minister Lucia Ipumbu on Trade, Industry & Growth

Hon. Lucia Ipumbu - Minister of Industrialisation & Trade - Namibia delivered at the Southern Africa regional consultation on # Africa Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) The AfCFTA represents a transformative shift for Namibia’s economic landscape. During the launch of Namibia’s National Strategy and Implementation Plan (2022-2027), Minister Lucia Iipumbu emphasised that the agreement is a critical instrument for integrating Africa’s markets by creating a single continental market for goods and services, while facilitating the free movement of persons and investments. The strategy is designed to move Namibia away from its historical reliance on the export of primary commodities—such as raw mineral ores and unprocessed agricultural products—toward a model of value addition and export-led manufacturing. Minister Iipumbu has consistently highlighted that the AfCFTA provides a platform to address the "excessive dependency on imports" for essential goods like pharmaceuticals and food. By leveraging the AfCFTA, Namibia aims to optimise its industrial capabilities, enhance its services sector, and access a broader market of 1.3 billion people. This shift is supported by the government’s "Vision 2030" framework, which prioritises industrialisation, agribusiness, and the development of infrastructure—such as ports and transport networks—to ensure that Namibia remains a competitive player in the continental trade arena. Furthermore, the Minister has underscored the importance of inclusivity, noting that the implementation of these strategies must actively involve women, youth, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to ensure that the benefits of trade are distributed equitably across the population. Would you like to learn more about how Namibia’s specific industrialisation policies, such as the focus on green hydrogen or oil and gas, are expected to integrate with the broader AfCFTA framework over the next decade?