Namibia seeks stronger US trade ties
Namibia is actively positioning itself as a competitive trade and investment destination, seeking to deepen economic ties with the United States.
In an exclusive interview at the US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda on Monday, trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi shared her message on the importance of value addition, industrial growth, and mutual partnerships.
“We are discussing with the US government to say that our interest is for AGOA to be extended. We do not know what the future holds, but as African countries, we are united in advocating for the extension of AGOA,” she said.
Namibia’s delegation to the summit was led by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was scheduled to speak on energy collaboration and women in leadership.
Ashipala-Musavyi emphasised the need to strengthen Namibia’s participation in regional and global value chains, particularly in the energy sector, where the country is advancing its green hydrogen agenda and remains one of the world’s top uranium producers.
She also addressed concerns about the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in 2025. Namibia currently exports products like charcoal under AGOA, contributing up to $10 million annually.
“If AGOA is not extended, producers will lose crucial market access,” she said, adding that Namibia, along with other African nations, is strongly advocating for the initiative’s renewal.
The summit, which brought together African heads of state, policymakers, and US business leaders, focused on deepening partnerships between Africa and the United States through trade, investment, and innovation.
In an exclusive interview at the US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda on Monday, trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi shared her message on the importance of value addition, industrial growth, and mutual partnerships.
“We are discussing with the US government to say that our interest is for AGOA to be extended. We do not know what the future holds, but as African countries, we are united in advocating for the extension of AGOA,” she said.
Namibia’s delegation to the summit was led by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was scheduled to speak on energy collaboration and women in leadership.
Ashipala-Musavyi emphasised the need to strengthen Namibia’s participation in regional and global value chains, particularly in the energy sector, where the country is advancing its green hydrogen agenda and remains one of the world’s top uranium producers.
She also addressed concerns about the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in 2025. Namibia currently exports products like charcoal under AGOA, contributing up to $10 million annually.
“If AGOA is not extended, producers will lose crucial market access,” she said, adding that Namibia, along with other African nations, is strongly advocating for the initiative’s renewal.
The summit, which brought together African heads of state, policymakers, and US business leaders, focused on deepening partnerships between Africa and the United States through trade, investment, and innovation.
