Unlocking trade opportunities between the UK and Namibia
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-22)

Stakeholder Workshop on SACU+M-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation in Namibia.

The British High Commission in Namibia in collaboration with the Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) hosted a workshop for implementers focused on the execution of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) plus Mozambique-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Held at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek on 7 May 2025, the session brought together key government ministries, agencies, and trade associations to discuss next steps towards broader implementation and to explore the potential for significant downstream benefits. This session marked a crucial advancement in strengthening trade relations within the EPA framework for Namibia and the UK.

The workshop allowed the exchange of ideas on how the Namibian trade community and policymakers can work together to brain-storm tangible outcomes for the EPA implementation in Namibia. Participants delved into critical topics, including the implications of the EPA for the Namibian market, strategies for export development to enhance access to international markets, and shared practical experiences in implementing the agreement.

Key discussions also addressed accessing the UK market for agricultural products, compliance with rules of origin, and the UK Trade for Development partnership with Namibia, which offers valuable support and opportunities. The event concluded with a participant discussion focused on actionable next steps for leveraging these insights.

Ambassador Elvis Shiweda, Deputy Director, Bilateral Relations and Cooperation for the Europe Ministry of International Relations and Trade said:

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, cumulation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS), Technical barriers to trade (TBT), and access to vital information. These elements are instrumental in shaping the effective utilisation of the agreement for our economic benefit and prosperity.

Ben Stride, British Deputy High Commissioner to Namibia said:

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.

Hosting this session underscores the UK government’s commitment to fostering mutual prosperity while supporting Namibia’s aspirations to become a trade-driven economy. The SACU+M - UK EPA establishes a reliable framework to develop supply chains and drive competitiveness.

Natasha Stotesbury, Regional Trade for Development Adviser for the UK Department for Business and Trade said:

We want to see this treaty (EPA), increasingly come to life to support greater job creation and growth in both our countries and the region.

The SACUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement was created to sustain preferential trade relations between the UK and SACU member states plus Mozambique. Effective from January 2021, this agreement ensures duty-free quota-free access to UK markets for eligible goods that originate from EPA partner countries.

Further information
- total trade in goods and services between the UK and Namibia reached £385 million in the year leading up to the end of Q3 2024. This reflects a significant increase of 61.8% or £147 million compared to the previous year, ending Q3 2023
- UK exports to Namibia were £233 million, which is a 42.1% rise, amounting to an additional £69 million from the previous year
- UK imports from Namibia totalled £152 million, showing a remarkable increase of 105.4%, or £78 million, compared to the same period last year