EU-twinning project elevates Namibia's trade landscape
Boost for economic growth
The European Union-funded Twinning Project, titled Support to the Namibian Standards Institution, has successfully concluded after an intensive 24-month period of facilitation, training and diverse events.The project, with a budget of €1.6 million, is part of the broader €6 million Support to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Plan in Namibia program.
The overarching goal is to boost Namibia's trade capabilities, specifically by enhancing its access to export markets, with a focus on the EPA with the EU.
The closing event marked a significant milestone in Southern Africa as it celebrated the success of the first-of-its-kind EU-funded twinning project. The project's multifaceted approach included institutional support to entities such as the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) and the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI), improved quality infrastructure and services related to the EPA, and the creation of platforms to boost trade and investment, like the EPA Trade Forum and EU-Namibia Business Forum.
Hon. Lucia Iipumbu, Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, emphasised the primary objective of the Twinning Project – to strengthen NSI's capacity to fulfil its mandate, while Dr Eino Mvula, CEO of NSI, expressed satisfaction with the project's successful implementation, highlighting increased capacity building, skills development for NSI and MIT staff, and support for the Namibian National Quality Policy.
Notably, the project facilitated the implementation of the first Quality Infrastructure Forum attended by over 80 Namibian stakeholders.
H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia, commended the project for its significant contribution to smoothing trade flows between the EU and Namibia, fostering job opportunities, and promoting economic growth. Trade figures indicate the EU's pivotal role as the largest trading partner of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the second-largest export market for Namibian products. Over the past 11 years, Namibian exports to Europe have grown by 50%, reaching €1 334 billion in 2022.
The project received acclaim from various distinguished speakers, including H.E. Thorsten Hutter, German Ambassador to Namibia, Mr. Christian Fogelström, Deputy Head of Mission Swedish Embassy, and Dr. Thomas Zielke, EU Project Leader.
The successful completion of the EU-Twinning Project underscores its pivotal role in enhancing Namibia's trade capacities and contributing to a resilient economic landscape.