Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Trade is participating in the 3rd Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo and Business Summit in Swakopmund from 28 to 30 May 2026, joining the Africa Economic Leadership Council’s gathering at the Municipal Tennis Court next to Strand Hotel.
The ministry is attending alongside its agencies, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and the Namibia Trade Forum, as the expo seeks to advance continental economic integration by translating the African Continental Free Trade Area framework into practical, market-driven realities.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Minister of International Relations and Trade, Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, told delegates that African economies have for too long leaned heavily on external markets, leaving intra-African trade at extremely low levels. She said the AfCFTA now gives Africa the opportunity to change that narrative. 
“The time for talking about Africa’s prospects and possibilities is over. Africa is now implementing one of the largest economic integration projects in modern history, the African Continental Free Trade Area. It is critical that we imbibe the AfCFTA not merely as a trade agreement, but Africa’s blueprint for unity, industrialization, economic transformation and shared prosperity. In other words, we must embrace the AfCFTA as Africa’s last resort for Africa’s economic sovereignty,” she said.
Ambassador Ashipala-Musavyi also toured various stalls and stands inside and outside the exhibition hall, where she actively engaged with exhibitors.
