Niël Terblanché
Namibia has committed to deepening its trade relations with Nigeria, focusing on niche markets and products that offer mutual benefits.
This intent was reaffirmed by Ambassador Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, during the opening of the Senior Officials Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Namibia-Nigeria Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) in Windhoek last week.
“This Fifth Session of the JPCC is of great significance, as this is the first time in 14 years that Namibia and Nigeria are hosting the JPCC. The last session was held in 2010—an injustice to our excellent historical and friendship bond that has existed for many decades,” Naanda said.
The JPCC serves as a vital platform for the two nations to review their bilateral cooperation and identify areas for further collaboration.
Naanda reiterated the significant potential for increased trade between Namibia and Nigeria, noting that both countries could benefit from the exchange of niche products.
Namibia’s exports to Nigeria could include fish and fish products, beef, mutton, game meat, leather products, salt, and minerals.
“It is my conviction that Nigeria will join our exclusive list of niche markets and serve as an ideal export destination,” Naanda remarked.
In turn, Namibia looks forward to welcoming Nigerian products into its retail market.
These products could include processed cocoa products such as cocoa paste, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder, as well as root crops like yam and cassava.
He also spoke about the potential for importing Nigerian vegetable oil, shea nuts, cashew nuts, oil palm, groundnuts, and soya, along with apparel.
Naanda stressed the importance of strengthening intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a critical pathway to achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
This ambitious framework seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development across the continent.
“Intra-African trade is crucial for boosting our economies and improving the livelihoods of our people. We must seize this opportunity to strengthen our ties and unlock the potential within our respective markets,” Naanda said.
According to Naanda, the latest session of the JPCC is expected to lay the groundwork for a more dynamic partnership, bringing tangible benefits to the people of Namibia and Nigeria.
