Namibian High Commissioner to Ghana, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi
Namibian High Commissioner to Ghana, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is calling for enhanced trade between African countries for improved economic growth. The move she noted is also a panacea for sustaining bilateral relations between countries.
“When we talk about intra-African trade, we are really talking about, bilateral trade, because intra-African trade, can only thrive on the basis of bilateral trade. And that’s why we decided to host this event.”
Speaking at a Namibia Investment and Trade event at the Namibian High Commission Mrs. Ashipala-Musavyi, called on other African countries to emulate the example of Namibia by adding value to its primary product. This, she said, will create jobs for the youth as well as provide value for money.
The event was to open Namibia up for investment opportunities ahead of the 53rd World Trade Centres Association (WTCA) General Assembly, which opens in Accra today, April 23rd to 28 2023.
It will bring together more than 500 delegates from about 100 countries. It is the first to be hosted in Africa and will be attended by business executives, investors, financial institutions, international trade organisations, policymakers, and entrepreneurs on the African continent.
Mrs. Ashipala-Musavyi said the event calls for countries to strategically position themselves for the opportunities it presents. She said business opportunities abound for investors in Namibia, stressing that the African Continental Free Trade Area, AFCTA is a unique platform for Africa to create jobs for the teaming youth. She said enhancing intra-African trade will give the continent its pride of place.
“AFCTA is a platform that really serves the purpose of enhancing trade among ourselves, but also enhancing our presence globally in terms of trade so that Africa becomes known and relevant for the right reasons. And the right reasons for us is for the Continent to supply the world with finished goods instead of supplying primary goods to create jobs on the African Continent”
The Namibian minister of Industrialization and Trade, Lucia Lipumbu, was unhappy about the limited number of intra-African trade.
“Currently if we look at the statistics of how we trade amongst ourselves is below 20 percent as compared to our Asian and European counterparts, who trade amongst themselves at the average of 60 to 70 percent we need to turn these statistics around and the time is now and not tomorrow”
She said Namibia is committed to exploring other areas of interest such as tourism, oil and gas and culture to increase trade between African countries. She was hopeful that the implementation of AFCTA will see some significant levels of trade among African countries.
“As countries we should strategically position ourselves to participate fully in bilateral trade, but of course in the long run to ensure that we develop our value chains, build our capacity and we participate in various business forums and exhibitions that are to be arranged for us to harness those opportunities, as we strengthen trade, especially among women and youth. We must look at various opportunities that present themselves during arrangements such as the 53rd General Assembly that we are participating in”
World Trade Centres Association (WTCA) General Assembly helps local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through member engagement.
