Namibia’s imports from Brazil mainly comprised poultry meat and raw sugar with the country importing goods worth N$789 million in 2023, recent data from the Namibia Chamber of Commerce Industry (NCCI) indicates.
According to NCCI’s Vice President Patty Karuaihe-Martin, this represents a significant trade imbalance, as Namibia’s exports to Brazil totalled a mere N$13 million in the same period.
“Brazil is at number 23 position with a value of N$789 million representing a mere 0.6% of our imports so this shows that Brazil can do more business with Namibia and we can do more business with Brazil,” she said
This comes as the two countries seek to expand and strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including health, defence and renewable energy.
Speaking at the Brazil-Namibia business summit on Monday, Brazil’s Director of the Department for the Promotion of Trade, Investment and Agriculture, Alex Giacomelli Da Silva, encouraged business leaders and experts to explore opportunities for collaboration.
A central focus of the discussions was the health sector, with Brazil offering its expertise in medical research, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare infrastructure development.
“The health sector presents significant opportunities for Namibia’s development, where Brazilian expertise can play a vital role.We are privileged to host a delegation from the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) to explore ways to enhance healthcare cooperation,” he said
He further explained that Brazil and Namibia shared a common vision for peace, development, and human rights and expressed their celebration of three decades of successful cooperation, highlighting significant achievements in defense and maritime affairs.
“Brazil and Namibia share a common vision for peace, development, and human rights. We celebrate three decades of successful cooperation, including significant achievements in defense and maritime affairs,” he said
Da Silva also said Brazil seeks to explore opportunities for collaboration across various other sectors, including medical equipment, machinery, pharmaceuticals, cultural products, information technology, animal protein, beauty supplies, airport management, educational services, public works, and potentially other areas yet to be identified.
“Our current trade focus is on a limited range of products, but we aim to diversify. We recognise Spain’s strategic role as a hub for Brazilian exports to Southern Africa, facilitating efficient distribution and market access.”
