Midrand: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is set to host the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, this coming Friday. This forum is part of the Bi-National Commission's programme between South Africa and Namibia, aimed at fostering stronger bilateral trade and investment connections.

According to South African Government News Agency, Willem Van der Spuy, the dtic's Acting Deputy Director-General for Exports, stated that the forum's primary goals include identifying current obstacles to cross-border trade and developing strategies to enhance transport and logistics. This improvement is meant to facilitate the seamless movement of processed goods between the two nations.

Van der Spuy emphasized the need for South Africa and Namibia to focus on implementing the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Industrialisation Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The objective is to promote regional value-chain development, economic growth, and employment creation by capitalizing on manufacturing and export opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, clothing, textiles, and footwear.

The forum will also look into how both countries can leverage their complementary strengths to build resilient regional ecosystems, enhance value addition, and accelerate industrialisation in key sectors, including manufacturing. The event will be conducted under the theme: 'Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa-Namibia Partnerships.'