The government has urged the Erongo Region to move beyond its reliance on mining, fisheries and tourism by investing in new industries that can drive growth and create jobs.
Speaking at a business engagement in Swakopmund, Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, said Erongo must explore other sectors with export potential.
“Besides mining, tourism, fisheries – what else can Erongo optimise and export? What can we do differently? That is what business unusual is all about – taking action that sets us apart and improves the lives of our people,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia’s launch of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), two weeks ago in Walvis Bay, opened new opportunities for local businesses.
She stressed the need to promote value addition, tap into the strengths of all 14 regions, and equip young people with the skills to support innovation and sustainable development.
“We cannot only be the ones importing. That’s why we are talking about ‘Unity in Diversity: Natural Resources Beneficiation and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development’,” she said.
She added that her ministry and the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy are working together to attract investment, improve infrastructure and promote trade.
“Our role is to negotiate access to markets for Namibian goods and services, and ensure that producers and consumers can also source inputs globally at competitive prices,” she said.
The event gave businesses an opportunity to raise concerns about limited market access, lack of trade information and non-tariff barriers. Officials from the ministry also explained how businesses can benefit from the AfCFTA.
