The Namibian government has taken a significant step towards strengthening its international trade capabilities with the tabling of the International Trade Management Bill, 2026, in the National Assembly. The bill, introduced by International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, aims to establish the Namibia International Trade Commission as a statutory body responsible for protecting and promoting the country's commercial interests. This move is expected to enhance Namibia's ability to respond to unfair international trade practices and manage its national tariffs effectively.
The proposed commission will take over the responsibility for national tariff-setting, including the analysis of customs duties, rebates, and refunds, while considering Namibia's regional and international obligations. The commission will also be empowered to investigate and address unfair trade practices, such as dumping, subsidized imports, and sudden increases in imports. This will enable Namibia to safeguard its domestic industries and ensure a fair trade environment.
The legislation provides for the implementation of infant industry protection under Article 26 of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Agreement. This measure is intended to give emerging domestic industries time to expand their capacity and compete with established foreign producers. The bill also makes provision for a seven-member board representing key economic sectors, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, with consideration for gender balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The commission will be headed by a chief commissioner who will serve as its accounting officer. The chief commissioner will be responsible for implementing a five-year integrated strategic business plan and managing the commission's financial affairs. The proposed legislation also sets out governance requirements for the commission, including a governance agreement with the minister within 90 days of its establishment and individual performance contracts for board members.
The bill empowers investigating officers to enter premises, inspect records and shipping documentation, and investigate suspected unfair trade practices, subject to constitutional safeguards. The officers can be accompanied by peace officers. The legislation also provides mechanisms for dealing with shortages of essential goods, including provisions allowing the minister to advise the President on the declaration of an economic emergency.
A key objective of the legislation is to strengthen Namibia's domestic capacity to manage international trade issues, particularly as the country remains a small, open economy exposed to developments in global markets. The bill links trade management to the industrialization objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and Vision 2030. It targets an increase in the share of manufactured goods in Namibia's total exports from 42% in 2024 to 60% by 2029/30.
The proposed framework follows consultations involving government agencies, the private sector, and organized labor. If enacted, the legislation will repeal the Import and Export Control Act of 1994 and replace it with a broader framework for managing Namibia's international trade. The proposed commission will operate within Namibia's obligations under regional and international trade agreements, including SACU and the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
Key points
- The bill aims to establish an independent commission to manage national tariffs and address unfair international trade practices.
- The proposed commission will be responsible for protecting and promoting Namibia's commercial interests and administering aspects of the country's international trade framework.
- The legislation targets an increase in the share of manufactured goods in Namibia's total exports from 42% in 2024 to 60% by 2029/30.
