Namibia VP Urges Increased Intra-African Trade and Economic Cooperation

Namibian Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for stronger economic cooperation among African nations to unlock the continent's full potential. Speaking at the Namibia-Kenya business forum in Nairobi, she criticized the historical trend of exporting raw materials while importing finished goods, urging a shift toward industrialization, innovation, and intra-Africa trade. Witbooi highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area as a key opportunity to create an integrated market but emphasized that agreements alone are insufficient. She stressed the need for deliberate partnerships between governments and the private sector to invest in productive sectors and encourage cross-border business expansion. Highlighting complementary strengths, she noted Kenya's leadership in innovation and logistics alongside Namibia's political stability and resource opportunities in energy and mining. The Vice President argued that successful economic cooperation should be measured by tangible outcomes such as job creation, industry development, skills transfer, and increased opportunities for youth, women, and emerging entrepreneurs. Her address aims to redefine Africa's economic model by fostering regional value chains and sustainable development through collaborative efforts.