Zimbabwe Targets Namibia to Narrow N$697m Trade Deficit

Zimbabwe Targets Namibia to Narrow N$697m Trade Deficit

By: Johanna Festus

Zimbabwe is seeking to expand its exports to Namibia and narrow a about N$697 million (US$41 million) trade deficit recorded in 2025, as the two country moves to strengthen their commercial ties.

The trade imbalance was highlighted by ZimTrade Southern Region Manager, Jacqueline Nyathi during a Zimbabwean trade mission in Windhoek on Monday, where the agency outlined opportunities to increase Zimbabwean exports and establish stronger business partnerships with Namibian companies.

Trade data presented by ZimTrade shows that Zimbabwe exported only US$5.34 million (about N$90.8 million) worth of goods to Namibia in 2025, while imports from Namibia reached US$46.34 million (about N$787.8 million).

The resulting US$41 million (about N$697 million) deficit was largely driven by Namibian fisheries and energy products, according to ZimTrade.

The figures form the basis of Zimbabwe’s push to diversify and increase the range of products and services it supplies to Namibia, while creating stronger cross-border value chains between businesses in the two countries.

Nyathi said Zimbabwe is positioning its agricultural sector as one area with potential to expand exports to Namibia, highlighting its growing blueberry and avocado production, as well as opportunities for supplying certified seeds, fertilisers and agricultural implements.

ZimTrade also identified opportunities in mining, engineering, manufacturing, logistics and services, including education, skills development and training.

The organisation said stronger use of the Port of Walvis Bay could also improve Zimbabwe’s access to international markets, with the country viewing Namibia’s port and transport corridors as strategically important for regional and global trade.

The trade push comes as Zimbabwe recorded 42% growth in agricultural exports in 2025, while minerals and unmanufactured tobacco accounted for 79% and 14%, respectively, of the country’s total global exports.

ZimTrade said the objective is to translate these export capabilities into greater market penetration in Namibia through direct business-to-business linkages, joint ventures and industrial partnerships.

The two countries can also leverage regional frameworks, including the SADC Trade Protocol and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to facilitate market access and improve cross-border trade.

The Zimbabwean trade mission is seeking to move beyond diplomatic relations towards more concrete commercial partnerships that can increase Zimbabwean exports to Namibia and gradually address the existing trade imbalance.