STAFF WRITER
Namibia will participate at the forthcoming Intra- Africa Trade Fair in Algeria this month.
This was revealed by the Deputy Prime Minister and minister of Industries and Mines Natangue Ithete while speaking at the official opening of the Ongwediva annual trade fair on Sunday.
Ithete said the 2025 Intra- Africa Trade Fair place will be a special focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“I am using this opportunity to call upon our traders and innovators to use Namibia’s position as the gateway to Africa and connect with continental market. There is power in marketing your products here at trade fairs, because it gives you access to a wide market including over 1 billion consumers through the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Ithete said.
Ithete said the AfCFTA breaks down barriers, opens borders, and creates one of the largest markets in the world.
“This means that our leather shoes, our beef and beef products or the crafts from our conservancies can find buyers from across our borders.Let us therefore continue to add value to our raw materials, use trade fairs to launch such products and seize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunity to expand exports, attract investment, and position our country as a competitive player in Africa’s new era of trade,” he said.
According to Ithete trade fairs are drivers of industrialisation and transformation as they expose, promotes, and connect value-added products with markets, partners, and investors.
He added that trade fairs allow our farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to showcase their goods .
“The Government of the Republic of Namibia remains steadfast in its commitment to creating an environment where local businesses can thrive. We are investing in infrastructure, expanding electrification, opening market opportunities, promoting innovation & self-reliance through the National Youth Development Fund to ultimately reduce unemployment and foster sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
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