ECA

“Regional integration will not happen through agreements alone.” Ms Hopolang Phororo @hphororo, @UNNamibia, Resident Coordinator, emphasised the need for a candid discussion on financing. She noted that corridors require construction and maintenance, energy systems must be connected, businesses need capital, and projects should advance from planning to actionable investments. “We cannot agree on the destination without addressing how we intend to get there.” #ICSOE2026 #InvestInAfrica #RegionalIntegration

“We do not need another discussion about whether regional cooperation matters. We need to decide what we are going to use it for.” Ms Hopolang Phororo @hphororo @UNNamibia , Resident Coordinator challenged Eastern & Southern Africa to move beyond supplying raw materials and build more value chains on the continent. As global competition over technology, energy, and critical minerals intensifies, Africa must convert regional cooperation into production, investment, and trade. #ICSOE2026 #RegionalIntegration #AfCFTA

“#Energy security is not achieved by volume, but by access, reliability and delivery.” @ECASROSA Director @EuniceKamwendo emphasized the need for greater integration of Eastern and Southern Africa’s power systems to facilitate electricity trade and enhance energy security. Africa’s goals for value addition, mineral beneficiation, and productive transformation depend on reliable electricity delivered when businesses need it, at predictable and affordable prices. #ICSOE2026 #Energy

“What can our two subregions achieve together that each would struggle to deliver alone?” @ECASROSA Director @EuniceKamwendo urged Eastern & Southern Africa to turn #connectivity, #trade, and #investment into practical solutions that deliver tangible results. “Let us agree who will lead, what can be achieved over the coming year and what evidence we will bring back.” #ICSOE2026 #RegionalIntegration

Ahead of #ICSOE2026 in #Windhoek, @ECA_OFFICIAL Directors @AndyMold1 of @ECA_SRO_EA and @EuniceKamwendo of @ECASROSA paid a courtesy call on Namibia’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Ericah B. Shafudah. The visit culminated in the signing of an MoU formalising Namibia’s hosting of the 2026 Joint Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts for Eastern and Southern Africa, to be held in Windhoek from 10–13 November 2026. A significant milestone in strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity and integration across Eastern and Southern Africa.

“Africa’s single market must translate into real opportunities for businesses!” — Ambassador Jerobeam Shaanika, Executive Director, @MIRT_NAMIBIA Speaking at the official launch of Namibia’s Step-by-Step Guide to Trading Goods under the #AfCFTA, he underscored the importance of bringing practical trade information closer to entrepreneurs, exporters and producers, enabling them to navigate procedures, meet requirements and access markets across Africa. #AfCFTA #RegionalIntegration #TradeFacilitation

“A market without accessible information is an opportunity only in theory. A trade agreement without business participation is integration only on paper.” - Ambassador Mr. Jerobeam Shaanika,@MIRT_NAMIBIA Speaking at today’s launch in Windhoek, he called for stronger efforts to translate #AfCFTA commitments into tangible economic opportunities for businesses and citizens. The initiative received technical support from @ECA_OFFICIAL, particularly its Subregional Office for Southern Africa @ECASROSA , and financial support from the Government of Japan. #AfricaTrade #RegionalIntegration #TradeFacilitation

“Governments negotiate trade agreements, but businesses trade. Ultimately, businesses must identify markets, meet product standards and successfully complete transactions.” — Ms @EuniceKamwendo, Director, @ECASROSA Speaking at the launch of Namibia’s Step-by-Step Guide to Trading Goods under the #AfCFTA in Windhoek, she called for greater private-sector participation in translating continental trade commitments into actual commercial opportunities. #AfCFTA #AfricaTrade #RegionalIntegration

“The true value of this Guide will be determined by what businesses do with it.” - Ms @EuniceKamwendo , Director, @ECASROSA She challenged stakeholders at the Namibia #AfCFTA Guide launch to move beyond awareness towards practical utilisation through stronger export readiness, market intelligence, trade finance, logistics and business-to-business connections. @ECA_OFFICIAL remains committed to supporting Namibia in expanding intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains and creating economic opportunities. #AfCFTA #AfricaTrade #Industrialisation