Namibia-UAE bilateral trade set to grow beyond N$5 billion

Namibia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are exploring ways to expand bilateral non-oil trade well beyond last year’s US$260 million (N$4.9 billion), UAE minister of foreign trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said yesterday.

Speaking at the Namibia-UAE Business Forum, hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Al Zeyoudi said the current trade value “does not reflect the full capabilities of both nations” and highlighted ongoing discussions on trade, investment protection and double taxation agreements to create a secure environment for investors.

“All of our investments are focusing only on agriculture. It’s just above half a billion dollars, but with the opportunities presented, we see significant potential,” he said.

Al Zeyoudi noted that the UAE delegation includes representatives from federal, local and private companies, semi-government entities, and international partners, covering sectors from infrastructure and energy to mining, logistics, finance and health.

Mutual interests

Al Zeyoudi’s remarks align with Namibia’s national priorities.

During her 2025 state of the nation address, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah identified seven sectors as critical for growth, with agriculture singled out as a priority to ensure national food security.

The UAE delegation’s interests go beyond agriculture. They include mining investments, energy projects (both renewables and oil and gas) and infrastructure development, particularly in electricity and water. Logistics, including partnerships with Abu Dhabi Post and DB World, and financial services, including easing transactions between both nations, are also on the agenda.

Namibia’s industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse said the country’s oil and gas reserves are no longer an assumption but a confirmed reality.

“Now what we want to do is explore further, develop and finally produce the oil and put it on the market,” he said, adding that Namibia’s peace, stability and strategic positioning make it attractive for investors.

Health and digital healthcare opportunities are also part of the discussions. Health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao highlighted Namibia’s recently launched 10-year digital health strategy and expressed interest in partnering with the UAE to improve hospital infrastructure, advance digital health and explore pharmaceutical manufacturing projects.

Al Zeyoudi said the goal is to create a “comfortable ecosystem” for businesses from both nations, signalling that trade and investment ties are set to strengthen significantly. The UAE delegation is expected to continue discussions with Namibia’s ministries on concrete projects in agriculture, energy, health and logistics over the coming days.

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