Unlocking trade opportunities
Stakeholder workshop on SACU+M-UK EPA implementation in Namibia
The British High Commission in Namibia, in partnership with the Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT), hosted a workshop in Windhoek to advance implementation of the Southern African Customs Union plus Mozambique - UK Economic Partnership Agreement (SACUM-UK EPA).The workshop brought together officials from government ministries, trade agencies, and associations to discuss ways to strengthen trade relations and unlock the agreement’s full potential for Namibia.
Key sessions explored the EPA’s implications for Namibia’s economy, export development strategies, market access opportunities, and implementation challenges. Discussions focused particularly on agricultural exports to the UK, compliance with rules of origin, and trade development support offered through the UK’s Trade for Development partnership.
Ambassador Elvis Shiweda highlighted the practical value of the workshop: “This dialogue has provided us with critical insight into what the SACUM-UK EPA means for the Namibian market, highlighting both opportunities to be seized and the challenges that must be addressed, in particular, rules of origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS), technical trade barriers, and access to vital information.”
British Deputy High Commissioner to Namibia, Ben Stride, reinforced the importance of closer collaboration: “Trade is the engine that drives economic growth, and Namibian businesses are poised to thrive through stronger partnerships. By forging closer trade ties, we’re not just growing the potential; we’re ensuring everyone gets greater access. Together, we can unlock opportunities, create jobs, and build a prosperous future for Namibia and the UK.”
Natasha Stotesbury from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade added: “We want to see this treaty increasingly come to life to support greater job creation and growth in both our countries and the region.”
Effective since January 2021, the SACUM-UK EPA ensures duty-free, quota-free access to the UK for qualifying goods from Namibia and other EPA partner countries. The workshop marks a key milestone in turning that agreement into a practical tool for inclusive economic growth.