Trapped or Flourishing In SACU- The Namibian Dilemma

 

By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus

 

An analysis of Namibian trade statistics within Africa over the past five years reveals that approximately 71% of the country’s trade (both imports and exports) is concentrated within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

This highlights a lack of diversification away from SACU — a customs union of five member countries that facilitates smooth trade among them while applying a common external tariff to non-members.

The trade statistics, compiled by the Namibia Statistics Agency for The Villager investigation team, show that the country’s total trade value (imports and exports) has remained below N$115 billion annually.

In a comparison of Namibia’s trade patterns with the rest of Africa and SACU over the past five years, it becomes clear that trade outside of SACU is largely limited to just two countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.