President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for stronger trade links with the United States, emphasising that partnerships in agriculture and logistics could create jobs, combat unemployment, and expand exports of unique Namibian products.
Speaking during visits to the Port of Philadelphia and the International Produce Market in Pennsylvania, the President said Namibia has “a lot to learn and a lot to gain” from closer cooperation with American partners.
“We face very high unemployment, especially among young people. Agriculture is a sector that can generate employment, and we want to see how young people can get more involved. From what we have seen here in Philadelphia, there is much we can emulate,” she told business leaders.
Fresh produce and beef
Nangula Uaandja, CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board, highlighted opportunities in exporting fresh produce and beef. Namibia has secured approval to sell beef to the U.S., but the President aims to expand further.
“Currently, restrictions prevent us from bringing beef or grapes. Quarantine rules in the U.S. shorten the shelf life of produce. We must work together to ensure our products reach the market fresh,” she said.
Sven Thieme, Executive Chairman of O&L Group, noted Namibian lamb is also highly sought after. “Our lamb is free range, GMO-free, hormone-free, with a unique taste. Chefs in the U.S. were impressed. Protocols delaying exports hold us back. If overcome, Namibia can supply more lamb to the American market,” he said.
At PhilPort, officials showcased the scale and diversity of operations that make Philadelphia one of the U.S.’s leading food ports.
Tariff barriers
Grapes, currently exported to Europe via Walvis Bay, could also reach the U.S. directly, said International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala Musavyi. However, tariffs remain a challenge.
“We hope for AGOA preferences, but the 15% tariff is high. Partnerships like this may help us find a way around it,” she explained. Leo Holt of Holt Logistics noted discussions are underway to expand direct shipping from Walvis Bay to the U.S., adding that the logistics channel is almost ready.
Uaandja also highlighted Namibian charcoal, which competes with Brazilian charcoal entering at 0% tariff, while Namibia pays 15%. The President urged U.S. counterparts to consider equal treatment to boost exports and competitiveness.
Farming model and technology exchange
Beyond products, Namibia is keen to learn from Pennsylvania’s smallholder farming and urban agriculture approaches, including hydroponics and water-saving methods. “Namibia is a dry country. Conservation agriculture and hydroponics have not been very successful so far, but we are not giving up,” said the President.
U.S. officials noted Pennsylvania has invested around US$4 million in smallholder technologies like soil moisture sensors and Dutch bucket systems, along with hydroponics, aquaculture, and freeze-drying to reduce food waste. Jamie Green of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture stressed the importance of knowledge exchange alongside trade.
Strengthening links
The President welcomed cooperation in both trade and knowledge-sharing. “The facilities we have seen are impressive. Namibia is ready to learn and trade,” she said. Philadelphia has historical significance for Namibians in education, and the President sees trade as the next step.
She stressed that agriculture can employ young people but needs access to global markets and innovative approaches. “As leaders, we design policy and give direction. Businesspeople must operationalise it. Namibia is ready to trade, learn, and grow,” she said.
Youth farming
Farming must also attract the youth, she said, noting Philadelphia’s smallholder support models could be adapted in Namibia. Michael Griffin, who helped convene the meetings, praised the President’s vision. “This is one of the most powerful delegations we have received from Africa. Focus on SADC and the African Continental Free Trade Area makes this meeting very timely. Pennsylvania is interested in bilateral trade that can grow through Philadelphia and the Northeast,” he said.