China and Namibia are preparing to sign a framework agreement under the Economic Partnership for Shared Development (CADEPA) aimed at institutionalising zero-tariff trade access between the two countries.
The agreement is expected to strengthen Namibia’s access to China’s 1.4 billion-strong consumer market while supporting industrial upgrading and reinforcing Namibia’s position as a logistics hub in Southern Africa.
In a congratulatory message delivered during the 39th African Union Summit in February, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China would fully implement zero-tariff treatment for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing from 1 May 2026.
Xi said the policy would be backed by agreements on economic partnership for shared development and additional measures aimed at expanding African exports into the Chinese market.
“At the same time, China will continue to push forward the negotiation and signing of the agreements on economic partnership for shared development (CADEPA) and further expand access for African exports to China by upgrading the ‘green channel’ and other measures,” Xi said.
Namibia is expected to benefit directly from the removal of tariffs previously ranging between 12% and 25% on beef and mutton exports, and between 7% and 20% on grapes, blueberries and wild aquatic products.
The two governments are expected to sign formal agreements in the near future to operationalise the export arrangements.
“The removal of tariffs will directly reduce entry barriers, enhance competitiveness, and help Namibian enterprises secure more orders and achieve more stable market access,” Xi said.
The agreement is also expected to support investment into Namibia’s processing and manufacturing sectors, with stable export access likely to encourage companies to establish value-addition facilities locally.
“This will directly promote local manufacturing and facilitate Namibia’s transition from exporting raw materials to exporting processed and value-added products,” Xi said.
Increased trade volumes are also expected to drive demand for Namibia’s logistics and port infrastructure as exports to China expand.
China has additionally pledged supporting measures, including streamlined customs clearance processes and cooperation between Chinese-funded enterprises and Namibian companies to improve processing standards and product quality.
“It is a vivid example of China taking concrete actions to promote the common development of the Global South and practising the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity,” Xi said.
