The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) together with the Namibian embassy in Washington, DC, are set to host a United States of America (USA) delegation from 6 to 10 June 2022 for the annual trade mission in Windhoek. The trade ministry is preparing to receive a multi-sectoral business delegation from the USA on a mission to explore and follow up on possible business opportunities in the country. The aim of the gathering is expected to yield tangible results where the American businesses can explore the diverse opportunities existing in Namibia for greater mutual benefits.
Africa and Namibia in particular, continue to create an enabling environment for investment opportunities enhanced by its rich natural resources, stable population growth, its widening middle-income position, easy of doing business, infrastructure development, stable macroeconomic environment, improving governance, embracing of a democratic culture and conducive business climate.
Currently, niche areas of interest for the visiting delegation include renewable energy, infrastructure development, education, emerging technologies, mining and oil/gas upstream exploration, agriculture, diamond cutting & polishing and low-cost housing.
“The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade through the “Growth at Home” initiative, is committed to support industrial, trade, investment and business activities in the country. We have an investment culture, we wish to urge local business people, to take advantage of such opportunities and grow businesses at home. We are optimistic that the prospective investment opportunities conveyed in this trade mission will find fertile ground here in Namibia, to grow, to germinate and to flourish,” said Elijah Mukubonda, chief information officer at the trade ministry.
Mukubonda added that Namibia is keen to maximise potential in trade, investments and skills transfer through market access, strengthening technical assistance and capacity building initiatives. Furthermore, he said the intention is to ultimately improve and expand Namibia’s export basket to the lucrative USA market.
Mukubonda also pointed out that more potential exists under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) dispensation, which is a platform seeking to boost economic cooperation and trade between the USA and Africa. “In terms of market development and market adaptation for Namibian products, the sought-after Namibian beef as well as charcoal entered the US markets,” Mukubonda stated.