Martin Endjala
The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has received Information Technology (IT) equipment from the European Union (EU) worth N$ 123 million to help the country boost international markets.
The equipment is provided through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Plan Programme that exist between Namibia and the EU.
They are intended to assist operations of the Directorate of International Trade Programme in the ministry, which aims to enhance Namibia’s access to export markets by improving the Government’s capacity to manage international trade agreements, with a specific focus on trade with the EU.
During the handover ceremony which took place in Windhoek last week, outgoing EU Ambassador to Namibia, Sinikka Antila, expressed her satisfaction on the implementation rate of the EPA Support Programme in Namibia and said that she hopes that the donation will reinforce trade further.
She explained that the EPA program has played a vital role between the EU and African countries, especially in Namibia, adding that the foundation upon which the agreements have been built, will last long and will see the trade industry expanding its trade channels for more inclusivity.
While speaking at the same occasion, Deputy Executive Director in the ministry of Trade and Industrialisation, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, stressed the importance of capacity building and institutional strengthening, which according to her is more sustainable in the long run.
She commended the EU for providing technical support through the EPA Programme and the Twinning Grant, while assuring that the equipment will be put to good use in realising a trade success story for Namibia, Africa and the EU at large.
In June 2016, six Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member countries mainly Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland signed the EPA with the European Union, which guarantees access to the EU market without any duties or quotas for Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Swaziland.
In November 2022, Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, launched the EPA implementation plan at the SADC-EU EPA Trade Forum.
The event was hosted by the EU delegation in Namibia under the theme ‘Towards Increased and Diversified Trade under the EPA by Ensuring Inclusivity, Sustainability and Economic Growth.
Iipumbu said at the time that the EPA implementation plan for Namibia is geared towards attaining the objectives of the SADC-EU EPA by ensuring that the potential benefits that can accrue from it are fully utilised by the intended beneficiaries, which include exporters, importers, consumers and the entire business fraternity.
The Ministry of Trade serve as the coordinator for the plan’s initial goal, which is to provide improved co-ordination and co-operation across institutions and organisations by addressing areas related to EPA implementation.
It is also tasked on establishing and enhancing the performance of important institutions involved in EPA implementation.
