Namibia sends first AfCFTA export as trade barriers draw concern

Namibia dispatched its first official export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Monday, marking the country's entry into Africa's single market. A 45 000-tonne bulk salt consignment from Walvis Bay Salt Holdings departed the port for Nigeria, symbolising the start of operational trade under the agreement.“This marks the first symbolic export vessel through the port of Walvis Bay,” said Andre Snyman, managing director of Walvis Bay Salt Holdings. “It is a tangible step forward as we engage the business community on the real opportunities the FTA offers to Namibian enterprises.”Non-tariff barriersSnyman welcomed AfCFTA’s potential to drive integration and reduce poverty but cautioned that non-tariff barriers, inconsistent customs regimes, and high duties were obstructing progress. Walvis Bay Salt currently exports 70% of its output, with Nigeria alone importing 440 000 tonnes in 2024. Despite enjoying over 50% of Nigeria’s refined salt market, the company competes with Brazilian imports, which are subject to a 60% import levy on refined salt.“What is free trade if there are still these barriers?” Snyman asked. He confirmed that the company had received a certificate of origin from the Namibia Revenue Agency to qualify under AfCFTA rules.Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the export signalled Namibia’s commitment to Africa’s economic integration. “Today, we are making history together in witnessing the beginning of Namibia's practical participation in intra-African trade,” she said.She said AfCFTA must now move from policy to implementation, led by the private sector. “It is the private sector, not the government, that will produce trade, create jobs, and transform our Namibian economy,” she noted.AfCFTA’s rules of originThe minister announced a national outreach programme to engage businesses on practical barriers and said the government was assessing an offer by China to allow African goods into its market tariff-free.Trade executive director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati explained that Namibia’s tariff schedule was gazetted in December 2024 under the Southern African Customs Union. She said that current intra-African trade levels remain below 20% and that the implementation of AfCFTA’s rules of origin, dispute mechanisms, and e-commerce protocols must accelerate.“If you don't deliberate on the rules of origin, you'll find products that are coming through the back door... repackaged in Africa and then used in the African market,” she said.Erongo governor Neville Andre Itope said the launch positions Walvis Bay as a gateway for landlocked countries and strengthens local industry.“It encourages local industries to improve competitiveness, scale production, and create more sustainable jobs,” he said.Namport CEO Andrew Kanime called for urgent harmonisation of trade laws across the continent. “We must collaborate with our neighbours to align laws and remove non-tariff barriers that frustrate trade,” he said, warning that fragmented policies risk undermining the agreement.Unlocking nation’s full potentialWalvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes said the port town is ready to serve as a logistics and investment hub. “Today’s gathering marks a step forward as we embrace the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area and work together to unlock our nation’s full potential,” he said.The AfCFTA’s goal is to harmonise trade across 55 African countries and reduce barriers that limit intra-African trade, currently estimated to be between 14% and 18% of total continental trade activity. The agreement aims to unlock the full potential of a combined African GDP of over US$2.8 trillion and a market of 1.4 billion people, making AfCFTA the largest free trade area in the world by population.

Namibia sends first AfCFTA export as trade barriers draw concern

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Namibia sends first AfCFTA export as trade barriers draw concern

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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