Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has urged Namibian producers to prioritise African markets as a pathway to global trade, saying regional integration is critical to building a competitive and resilient economy.
Speaking at the official opening of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, the Minister of International Relations and Trade said local businesses must look beyond the domestic market and position themselves within regional and continental value chains.
She highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area as a key platform for expanding market access, describing it as a stepping stone towards global competitiveness.
“In my view, the theme ‘Connecting Local Trade to the World’ also supports intra-African trade through the AfCFTA. My belief is informed by the fact that charity begins at home. For us to be effectively connected to global trade, we must first be firmly anchored at home and connected to the wider African market. That is our ladder to the global market,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi said small and medium enterprises remain critical to economic growth because they create jobs, support communities and drive innovation.
However, she noted that many SMEs remain confined to limited local markets.
She said platforms such as the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition play an important role in addressing this challenge by giving businesses greater visibility, networking opportunities and access to potential partners beyond Namibia’s borders.
The minister said government is also working to strengthen economic diplomacy, expand trade agreements and improve investment facilitation to support local businesses.
She encouraged companies to make use of Namibia’s diplomatic missions abroad to explore new export opportunities and partnerships.
“To this end, the ministry is finalising the Investment Promotion Bill together with the relevant regulations, which will soon be tabled in the National Assembly. We are ready to work with local and international event organisers to ensure successful trade promotion events. My officials are present at this event, and I encourage businesses to visit our stand and engage them on trade and investment matters,” she said.
