Finnish businesses could expand their commercial presence in Namibia through digital services, logistics, tourism and consumer goods, as the two countries seek to broaden economic cooperation beyond mining and energy.
Finnish Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Finnish Parliament’s Namibia Friendship Group Ville Valkonen said Namibia’s developing economy offers opportunities for Finnish companies, particularly in sectors where Finland has established technological and infrastructure expertise.
“Namibia is a young, dynamic economy. It provides lots of business possibilities for Finland,” Valkonen said.
He identified logistics as a key area for cooperation, pointing to Namibia’s efforts to strengthen its role as a regional trade and transport gateway serving neighbouring markets, including Botswana and Zambia.
“As a developed economy, we have a very developed and working logistical system, so Namibia developing the gateway from Walvis Bay all the way to Zambia and Botswana, there’s a lot to give,” he said.
Digital services are another potential area for business-to-business partnerships, with Valkonen pointing to Finland’s telecommunications and software industries as possible partners for Namibian companies.
He cited Nokia as an example of Finland’s technological capabilities and said opportunities exist for Namibian companies to source equipment and collaborate with Finnish programming and technology businesses.
“In this sector, where Namibia is also striving for a digital future, there are lots of possibilities on both sides to do business,” Valkonen said.
He said commercial ties should not be limited to large investments, with tourism and consumer goods offering opportunities for smaller businesses to enter both markets.
Valkonen pointed to boutique tourism operations and Finnish wellness products, including sauna equipment, as examples of products and services that could find a market in Namibia.
At the same time, he said Namibian businesses should explore opportunities to export locally produced goods to Finland, citing biltong as one potential product.
“There are endless possibilities in all sorts of different sectors of the economy. We have talked about the big ones in energy and mining, but tourism, as I said already, has huge potential and doesn’t need to be massive-scale tourism,” he said.
Valkonen called for stronger direct engagement between businesses in the two countries, saying companies should actively identify potential partners rather than wait for formal government-led initiatives.
“Everything begins with people, so my main practical advice to any Namibian business leader is to visit their respective countries,” he said.
“If you’re a Namibian, just go to Finland. Find Finnish companies that work in Namibia, go visit the embassy, make connections, start thinking and broaden your mind.”
