Namibian companies have exported goods and services to the United States of America valued at N$43 million (US$2.7 million) over the past three years under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States to Namibia Jessica Long told stakeholders attending a meeting to reflect on the past six years of the Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub (USAID TradeHub) that the US has plans to grow its relationship with Namibia.
“The US Government has been a strong partner of the Namibian private sector, particularly firms seeking to explore both South African and US markets through AGOA.The USAID TradeHub also provided Namibian companies support in obtaining certifications that enable access to overseas markets and premium prices,” said Long.
She added that the USAID TradeHub activity is transitioning to the USAID African Trade and Investment programme and will continue to support Namibian firms to increase exports by overcoming complex market entry requirements and connecting them with South African and US companies.
“New business and export opportunities means more Namibians with jobs and more people around the world enjoying Namibia’s amazing products,” said Long.
“Growing our bilateral economic and commercial relationship is one of our top priorities. Commercial diplomacy is central to our foreign policy. And the United States, like Namibia, is committed to finding ways to foster equality and equity in our country and build a more inclusive economy for all.”
The USAID TradeHub worked with several Namibian export companies including Taneta Investments, Desert Hills, Plastic Packaging, charcoal producers, and nearly a dozen other firms, through experienced trade promotion service providers, to build and expand professional networks with international importers.
Namibia became the first African country to export red meat to the United States under AGOA after it sent 25 tonnes of beef to Philadelphia, following two decades of negotiations over safety regulations and logistics.
AGOA is a unilateral trade preference programme providing duty-free access into the United States for over 6 400 qualifying exports from eligible sub-Saharan African countries including Namibia.
In May 2021, the Government of Namibia launched an AGOA Utilization Strategy developed with support from the USAID TradeHub, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, and the private sector to provide a roadmap of recommendations for diversifying Namibia’s exports under the AGOA programme.
