Namibia needs businesses with sufficient production capacity, export certification, working capital and reliable logistics to benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy, Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) Chairperson Jason Kasuto has said.
Speaking at the China-Africa Cooperation Symposium in Windhoek, Kasuto said the removal of tariffs provides access to China’s consumer market, but Namibia must build the capacity to produce goods that meet buyers’ requirements and can be delivered consistently at competitive prices.
“A tariff set to zero is an invitation, and an invitation is only as valuable as the guest’s ability to accept it,” Kasuto said.
He warned that without sufficient export-ready enterprises, the policy could have little impact on Namibia’s trade performance despite improved market access.
“If we treat these instruments as diplomatic milestones to be welcomed and then filed, the trade figures will barely move,” he said.
Kasuto said Namibia should use its economic partnership with China to secure investment in processing facilities, technical training and long-term industrial development rather than continue relying on raw material exports.
He said the country needed to develop local enterprises capable of supplying international markets, supported by predictable regulations and disciplined public finances to strengthen investor confidence.
Kasuto called for practical strategies with clear implementation timelines, responsible institutions and measurable outcomes, rather than broad commitments that fail to translate into projects.
He said the EAN would compile a policy brief based on the symposium’s discussions within the week and seek to present it to policymakers the following week, with support from the Chinese Embassy and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said China’s zero-tariff initiative, effective from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2028, provides duty-free treatment across all tariff lines to 20 additional African countries, including Namibia.
She said the opportunity must be accompanied by efforts to overcome non-tariff barriers, including rules of origin, quality, packaging and phytosanitary standards, while ensuring consistent supply and timely delivery.
Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia should build on the July 2026 phytosanitary protocol for exporting Namibian table grapes to China by expanding market access for processed foods, meat and fisheries products.
She also identified light manufacturing, agro-processing and green energy as sectors in which joint ventures with Chinese investors could establish production capacity, transfer skills and create employment.
The minister said the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development provides a framework for advancing export diversification, investment and technology transfer in line with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan.
She encouraged businesses to prepare strategically for the opportunities by working with government institutions to meet export standards, complete the necessary documentation, strengthen logistics and establish connections with Chinese buyers.
