Kenya and Namibia to Strengthen Trade Ties Amid High-Level Diplomatic Meetings

Kenya and Namibia are poised to revitalize their trade and diplomatic relations, with both countries aiming to reinforce bilateral cooperation to boost trade ties. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, is expected to travel from China to Windhoek, Namibia, to participate in the Mid-Term Review (MTR) meeting that will address several key bilateral issues. The agenda includes the review of various business and diplomatic protocols and discussions on Namibia’s plans to establish a Diplomatic Mission in Nairobi.

During his visit, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi will meet with Namibian Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Peya Mushelenga. According to Jacob Ng’etich, Director of Press Service in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, this meeting is expected to bolster relations between Kenya and Namibia, which date back to 1964. Mudavadi’s primary focus will be on enhancing collaborations through the review of business protocols and advocating for increased trade between the two nations.

Kenya and Namibia’s partnership has been formalized through various agreements over the years, beginning with the signing of the General Agreement on Cooperation on 2nd June 1992. This agreement established a Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) and set the foundation for bilateral agreements in sectors such as agriculture, aviation, health, and education. Both countries are also active members of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the COMESA-SADC-EAC Tripartite Free Trade Area, frameworks designed to accelerate economic integration in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Despite these agreements, the balance of trade between Kenya and Namibia has historically favored Namibia. Over the past decade, the trade balance has been skewed in Namibia’s favor by approximately Ksh 11.16 million, with Kenya exporting an average of Ksh 106.31 million worth of goods to Namibia and importing goods valued at Ksh 117.76 million. Namibia’s exports to Kenya include products such as table salts, unwrought zinc, alcoholic beverages, mollusks, ethanol, and clothing, while Kenya exports items such as medicaments for reducing pain, syringes, electrical equipment, radar apparatus, automatic data machines, petroleum products, clothing, water, and roses.

Mudavadi’s mission includes advocating for increased Kenyan investment in Namibia, leveraging the robust diplomatic relations and visa-free protocols between the two countries. Namibia, despite its relatively small population, is ranked as the 26th most important new market for retailers globally and the second most important in Africa after Botswana, according to the Global Retail Development Index 2013 by AT Kearney. The country imports approximately 50% of its cereal requirements, presenting a significant opportunity for Kenyan investors in the cereal sector.

Kenya also sees potential in expanding exports of black tea and coffee to Namibia. Additionally, there are prospects for cooperation in livestock keeping, the blue economy, beef production, water dam building, and water conservation.

Namibia is home to about 1,000 Kenyan expatriates working in diverse fields such as medicine, nursing, teaching, architecture, aviation, marine, advertising, and business. Kenyan-owned enterprises in Namibia include advertising firms, private schools, hospitals, engineering and building contractors, architectural consultancy, and IT services. The expatriate community also includes UN staff, pastors, and businesspeople involved in curios and crafts.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi is also expected to follow up on Namibia’s commitment to grant Kenyan business people five-year multiple-entry business visas, further facilitating ease of business between the two countries. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to exploit the strong diplomatic ties and expand economic opportunities for both nations.

The visit underscores Kenya’s commitment to deepening its ties with Namibia and exploring new avenues for trade and cooperation, reinforcing a partnership that has evolved over decades.