Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMTRADE is moving to boost exports to Namibia, with leather and horticulture identified as priority sectors following high-level talks with Namibia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr David Thomas.
The trade promotion body said it hosted the Namibian diplomat this week to discuss new initiatives aimed at boosting bilateral trade between the two SADC neighbours.
“We were pleased to host the Namibian Ambassador, H.E. David Thomas, to discuss new initiatives aimed at boosting bilateral trade,” said ZimTrade.
ZimTrade acknowledged that trade volumes between Zimbabwe and Namibia remained low compared to the potential between the two countries.
Zimbabwe’s exports to Namibia were just US$7,66 million in 2018 against Namibia’s US$5,03 billion import bill, representing 0,12 percent to 0,15 percent of Namibia’s total imports.
“Trade volumes between the two countries have significant room for growth hence ZimTrade is actively unlocking new export opportunities in the Namibian market, specifically targeting leather and horticultural sectors as well as creating avenues to ensure local products enter this market competitively,” said ZimTrade.
The focus on leather builds on Zimbabwe’s tanning capacity and raw material base, while horticulture leverages Zimbabwe’s favourable climate and production of high-value crops.
ZimTrade said it is working on measures to ensure local products meet Namibian market requirements on standards, packaging and logistics so they can compete with dominant South African suppliers.
The engagement with Ambassador Thomas follows the 9th Zimbabwe-Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), which upgraded bilateral ties to a Bi-National Commission and signed seven trade-related agreements.
Those agreements include streamlined customs processes between Zimra and Namibia Customs and access to the newly commissioned Walvis Bay Dry Port, which gives Zimbabwe a direct Atlantic shipping route.
ZimTrade said the diplomatic engagement is part of efforts to turn policy gains into real sales for exporters.
“We are committed to fostering partnerships that translate these opportunities into tangible results for our exporters,” said ZimTrade.
With Namibia’s economy built on mining, tourism, fishing, manufacturing and agriculture and a population projected to reach 2,96 million by 2030, ZimTrade believes that there is scope for Zimbabwe to supply processed leather goods, fresh vegetables, berries, baby vegetables, chillies, and farming inputs.
The trade promotion and development body will follow up on the ambassador’s visit with market intelligence, exporter training and buyer linkages to help SMEs meet the standards needed to enter Namibia competitively under SADC and the Zimbabwe-Namibia Preferential Trade Agreement.
Zimtrade chief executive Mr Allan Majuru said that since South African companies dominate the Namibian market, Zimbabwean firms must strategically position themselves for niche markets if they are to become successful.
“There are also opportunities in Namibia’s mining sector to export services such as engineering, surveying, instrumentation, transport, plant maintenance, environmental management and artisanal services like quantity,” said Mr Majuru.
“Apart from exporting engineering skills, there are opportunities for Zimbabwean professionals in areas like the medical field, teaching, hospitality and catering, motor mechanics and skilled agriculture workers.
“In fact, several Zimbabweans are running their own surgeries and pharmacies in the country, with others managing various hotels and lodges.”
