The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity for African nations, including Namibia, to trade and collaborate in unprecedented ways.
This was said by Bank Windhoek’s executive officer of retail banking services and specialist finance, James Chapman, at the annual Bank Windhoek Agricultural Series which took place in Windhoek on Thursday.
This is an informative live talk celebration of innovation, collaboration and the boundless potential of agriculture.
“Bank Windhoek is firmly dedicated to supporting this initiative by creating platforms such as the agri series to empower agricultural participants through knowledge sharing,” he said.
Chapman said this year’s theme was timely as the African continent and Namibia navigate the challenges and opportunities towards a sustainable future.
“We understand the pivotal role that agriculture plays in our society.
It feeds nations, fuels economic growth, generates employment and sustains livelihoods.
Our dedication to supporting farmers, agribusinesses and agricultural initiatives remains unwavering,” said Chapman, adding that the Bank Windhoek Agricultural Series is testament to that commitment, providing a platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships forged and innovations shine.
The Bank Windhoek Agricultural Series live talk brought together experts, thought leaders and industry professionals to explore AfCFTA’s significance, challenges and opportunities.
Topics discussed by industry professionals included vital milestones, Namibia’s implementation of the AfCFTA agreement, and how Namibian stakeholders can all work together to make the agreement lucrative for the agricultural sector.
Agro processing as an enabler for continental value chains and how it impacts Namibia’s AfCFTA implementation efforts was one of the discussion points.
Speaking at the event, industrialisation and trade deputy minister Verna Sinimbo said Namibia’s private sector, including financial institutions like Bank Windhoek, play a crucial role in realising the potential of the AfCFTA.
“We expect businesses to explore new market opportunities and invest in the production of goods and services that can be traded within the AfCFTA framework,” she said, encouraging stakeholders to support the government in improving Namibian livelihoods.
Bank Windhoek has hosted various agriculture talk series since 2018 to inform interested parties on relevant agriculture trends and topics and, concurrently, created a platform where experts in the sector can share knowledge and contribute to the commitment and drive of the agriculture sector.
The AfCFTA is a free trade area encompassing most of Africa.
It was established in 2018 by the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, which has 43 parties and another 11 signatories, making it the largest free-trade area by several member states after the World Trade Organisation.
It is the largest in population and geographic size, with 1,3 billion people across Africa.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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