Staff Reporter

THE Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade will quickly collaborate with representatives from the European Union (EU), business leaders, and native stakeholders to align Namibian industries with EU requirements and improve provide chain transparency.

This announcement was made by Lucia Iipumbu, the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, on the Namibia-EU Trade and Sustainability Conference held at Droombos. She defined that the convention’s objective is to encourage discussions on sustainable progress, accountable commerce, and stronger cooperation between Namibia and EU companions.

“Over the next two days, we will engage in-depth with several key topics on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EUCSDDD), and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These frameworks are not merely regulatory measures; they represent guiding principles that encourage industries to operate responsibly and sustainably, ensuring that the path to economic growth is aligned with environmental protection and social equity,” she defined.

Aligning with these regulatory frameworks, she added, presents priceless alternatives for Namibia to strengthen its international financial standing.

“The CBAM encourages our industries to adopt low-carbon practices, which not only aligns with our low-carbon economy goals but also enhances the appeal of Namibian exports in environmentally-conscious markets. The EUCSDDD reinforces ethical and transparent practices across supply chains, promoting human rights, environmental protection, and fair labour practices within our industries. The EUDR supports Namibia’s efforts to combat deforestation, helping us protect our ecosystems and maintain market access to the EU by ensuring our forest and agricultural products meet the highest sustainability standards,” she defined.

Iipumbu identified that whereas these EU laws primarily apply to EU industries, additionally they create alternatives for Namibia to strengthen commerce relations and collaborate with European companies affected by these requirements. She emphasised that aligning with these requirements will subsequently improve Namibia’s international competitiveness, increase its market entry, and align it with worldwide finest practices.

“This conference is a crucial step on our journey towards sustainable trade and environmental stewardship. Following our discussions, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade will work closely with our EU partners, industry leaders, and local stakeholders to translate the insights and recommendations gathered here into action. We will focus on aligning with EU standards, investing in skills development, enhancing transparency in supply chains, and ensuring that Namibian industries can demonstrate compliance with international best practices,” Iipumbu added.