Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has highlighted grapes and dates as some of Namibia’s most valuable agricultural exports, with strong potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation Strategy (2022–2027).
Speaking during recent public consultations with the business community in Keetmanshoop, //Kharas Region, the Minister pointed to the impressive performance of Namibia’s grape sector. She noted that table grape exports reached approximately N$1.29 billion in the final quarter of 2024, with N$815.4 million generated in December alone. This, she emphasised, represents a sharp increase from just N$7.7 million during the same period in 2023.
“Namibia ranks 17th globally in table grape production. Our global reach includes the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany, which together account for over 70% of our grape exports. These grapes are produced primarily in the Aussenkehr Valley in //Kharas, the epicentre of grape farming, which produces over 33,000 metric tonnes annually,” said Ashipala-Musavyi.
The Minister stressed that grapes and dates possess a competitive edge within the AfCFTA framework. She noted that the sector not only provides thousands of seasonal jobs but has also benefited from improved logistics through Walvis Bay and Cape Town, enhancing export efficiency. However, she urged businesses in Keetmanshoop to go further by identifying new export markets and sectors that could benefit from AfCFTA-driven opportunities.
“We know very well what sets the //Kharas Region apart from others. The question is: what else can the region optimise and export? What opportunities can we explore? From the products and services of the //Kharas Region, which national, regional, continental, and global value chains should we tap into and participate in? That is what ‘business unusual’ is all about—taking bold steps that distinguish us from other African countries and the world, in order to increasingly make a positive impact on the lives of all our people,” the Minister said.
She also encouraged the business community to share their challenges – such as regulatory hurdles, limited market access, and infrastructure deficits – with the ministry. Doing so, she explained, would enable the government to better support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in overcoming export barriers, enhancing trade facilitation, and addressing non-tariff obstacles.
“The more finished goods we export, the more jobs we create. We need to identify where additional employment opportunities can be developed in the //Kharas Region. What other sectors or products might we have overlooked, and how can government intervene to unlock their full potential?” she added.
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