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Key Findings of the Study

According to Mr. Robin Sherbourne, the EU remains one of Namibia’s most significant trading partners and has become the country’s largest export market. Notably, Namibia enjoys a trade surplus with the EU, exporting more than it imports.

Trade Patterns and Major Exports

• The EU functions as a single trading bloc, a crucial factor in understanding Namibia’s trade dynamics.

• Namibia’s exports are heavily concentrated in a few markets, with the EU, South Africa, Botswana and China as key destinations.

• Diamonds, uranium and gold dominate Namibia’s exports.

• In 2023, 95% of Namibian exports to the EU went to Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany and Portugal.

• The EU imports a wide range of Namibian products, including refined copper, diamonds, uranium, hake, table grapes, charcoal, marble and leather hides.

Shifts in Namibia’s Import Sources

• Namibia has been diversifying its sources of imports, expanding beyond South Africa to include the EU, China, India and the UAE.

• The EU has been a key supplier of goods to Namibia since at least 2004, ranking second after South Africa in recent years.

• In 2023, 75% of Namibia’s imports from the EU came from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, Poland, Greece, and Ireland.

EU Investment in Namibia

The study also highlights the strong presence of EU companies in Namibia, with investments spanning:

• Agriculture and fishing

• Mining, oil, and gas

• Manufacturing

• Renewable energy and green hydrogen

• Hospitality and tourism

While the EU remains a key investor in Namibia, further analysis is needed to assess long-term FDI trends and opportunities for deeper economic collaboration.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening EU-Namibia Economic Ties

The findings of this study reinforce the importance of the EU-Namibia trade and investment relationship. As both partners continue to explore new trade opportunities and sustainable economic growth strategies, this partnership remains vital to Namibia’s economic diversification and development goals.