Minister of Industrialisation and Trade Lucia Iipumbu says Namibia is seeking a partnership with the United States to support the country’s goals of achieving green industrialisation and full integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the 16th US-Africa Business Summit, Iipumbu highlighted that there is a trade imbalance between Africa and the US. She outlined Namibia’s commitment to increasing Africa’s participation in global value chains.
The creation of the AfCFTA is seen as a crucial step and Iipumbu called for US support through existing initiatives like AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) to ensure a competitive market for African goods.
“Despite the sobering trade statistics between Africa and the United States which are skewed in favour of the US, it is important to outline our key resolutions and recommendations to ensure a viable outcome in terms of integrating Africa fully into the global value chains framework whilst securing its role in the energy transition,” she said.
She further explained Namibia’s ambitious green hydrogen strategy, emphasising the country’s efforts to develop the skills and infrastructure necessary for a green industrial future.
The Minister identified collaboration with the US on skills development and early-stage investment in renewable energy projects as crucial areas for partnership.
“In this instance, the support of the USA is important through various platforms such as AGOA in ensuring a competitive market outlet for African goods. In the same vein we should not forget the critical role of our micro, small and medium enterprises both in the informal and formal segments of our economies,” she explained
Iipumbu also highlighted the importance of leveraging the combined potential of AGOA and AfCFTA. This combination would increase the size of the market for African countries, making them more attractive for investment and industrialisation.
She further called for an inclusive extension of AGOA to include all African Union member states that have ratified the AfCFTA agreement.
“Namibia further advocates for the establishment of the nexus between AGOA and AfCFTA as the combination of AGOA and AfCFTA is a game changer in terms of increasing the size of the market for African countries thereby creating an attractive environment for investment and allowing the continent to industrialise,” Iipumbu said.
