Namibia Set to Make History with First Export under AfCFTA, Marking a New Era in African Trade

By Mark-Anthony Johnson

Namibia is poised to make history as it prepares to launch its first export consignment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This landmark development marks a significant leap forward in the nation’s trade expansion efforts and positions Namibia as a key player in the continent’s economic integration.

The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) is encouraging local businesses with consignments set for shipment in March to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. Exports will be routed either through Walvis Bay or by road, with the official launch scheduled for next month.

This milestone will enable Namibian exporters to actively engage in cross-border trade within Africa, opening new opportunities for growth and market access.

The announcement follows the recent establishment of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Tariff Concession, which paves the way for the full implementation of the AfCFTA framework. The concession allows Namibia, alongside other SACU member states, to begin trading under the AfCFTA agreement.

A Strategic Step for Economic Diversification

Having signed the AfCFTA Agreement in 2018 and ratified it in February 2019, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) views this initiative as a crucial step in advancing intra-African trade liberalization.

According to the MIT, “This positions Namibia to actively engage in the AfCFTA, unlocking opportunities for economic diversification, enhancing value chains, and driving transformative economic change.”

The AfCFTA, which aims to create a unified market across the continent, has been signed by 54 nations, with 48 countries ratifying the agreement. Official trading under the AfCFTA began on January 1, 2021, followed by the launch of the AfCFTA-Guided Trade Initiative in October 2022, which initially involved eight countries: Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Tunisia.

Mark-Anthony Johnson is the founder and CEO of JIC Holdings, a global asset and investment management firm founded in 2009. With over 30 years of experience and strong ties to Africa, his investments span mining, infrastructure, power, shipping, commodities, agriculture, and fisheries. He is currently focused on developing farms across Africa, aiming to position the continent as the world’s breadbasket.