Namibia—Regional Trade Project (NRTP)

NRTP’s objective was to build the capacity and competitiveness of historically disadvantaged Namibian firms in the small and medium sector to enable them to trade and establish linkages with firms in Namibia, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region (for example, Angola, Zambia, and South Africa), and the United States. The program was implemented in collaboration with the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The project instilled awareness in areas related to export promotion among small and medium enterprises, and resulted in an increased participation in regional trade fairs, as well as undertakings of marketing trips within SADC and beyond. The project equally strengthened the relationship between export service-oriented bodies within the region, resulting in leveraging of efforts to market Namibia’s export potential within the region and beyond.

Sample Activities

• Support historically disadvantaged Namibian firms in exploiting franchising opportunities.
• Implement business matchmaking and marketing services.
• Assist historically disadvantaged Namibian firms to access financing.

Select Results

• Registered 85 companies, which had transactions valued at $8.5 million, covering exports to seven countries within the SADC region, United States, and Europe, exceeding end-of-the-project targets. The project managed to work with more firms than anticipated and greatly exceeded its employment targets.
• Project clients attended eight trade fairs during the second year, covering seven countries in the region and beyond.
• Two companies established five fully fledged offices in five countries within the region, a direct result of the assistance given to the individual companies.