Renthia Kaimbi
Namibia has proposed the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission with the United Arab Emirates(UAE) to strengthen trade and investment between the two countries.
The proposal was presented during a Namibia/UAE Business Forum held at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) head office yesterday.
The forum brought together five Namibian cabinet ministers, heads of state-owned enterprises, local authorities and about 30 representatives from the UAE government and private sector.
Minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi hosted UAE minister of foreign trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, who was on a one-day working visit leading a business delegation.
Ashipala-Musavyi said the proposed commission would provide a structured platform to support industrialisation, skills transfer and technology exchange.
She said Namibia wants to build its manufacturing capacity and move beyond diplomatic ties to practical cooperation.
She outlined government priorities such as agriculture, youth empowerment, education and social welfare.
She said these sectors depend on energy, green hydrogen, oil and gas, mining and tourism, areas where the UAE has experience.
The two sides also reviewed current trade flows. Namibia exports diamonds, charcoal and frozen fish to the UAE and imports petroleum products and machinery.
The forum focused on increasing value addition. Namibia invited Emirati firms to invest in local diamond cutting and polishing, agro-processing and irrigation technology.
The aim is to process more raw materials, including beef and minerals, inside the country before export.
Logistics and infrastructure also featured in the talks. Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted improvements at the Port of Walvis Bay, including faster cargo handling and automation. She said Namibia is positioning itself as a logistics hub for the SADC region and is open to further cooperation in aviation and transport corridors.
Energy discussions covered both oil and gas exploration and renewable projects.
Namibia is seeking technical partners as it advances offshore and onshore exploration. The country is also developing green hydrogen projects in the Lüderitz area.
Al Zeyoudi said current bilateral non-oil trade of US$216 million does not reflect the full potential of the partnership.
He said UAE investments in Namibia are nearing US$500 million and that both sides are exploring ways to increase private sector participation.
NIPDB acting chief executive officer Jessica Hauuanga said the UAE is an important market for high-value exports.
She noted that recent Halaal certification obtained by a Namibian beef producer opens the door to the UAE beef market.
The proposed Joint Economic Commission will serve as a platform to coordinate these efforts and expand trade between the two countries.
