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Export from Namibia
A short guide for companies selling from Namibia: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Namibia sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$6.54 billion
Merchandise exports were US$6.54 billion in 2025, as Namibia reported them to UN Comtrade, re-exports included.
Source: UN Comtrade, Namibia exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exportsEstimate
US$1.56 billion
Services exports were US$1.56 billion in 2025, a WTO-UNCTAD-ITC estimate.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC services exports, Namibia (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Uranium ore (HS 2612)US$1.36 billion
- 2. Gold (HS 7108)US$1.12 billion
- 3. Diamonds (HS 7102)US$816.2 million
- 4. Frozen fish (HS 0303)US$350.6 million
- 5. Fish fillets and other fish meat (HS 0304)US$341.1 million
- 6. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$264.8 million
- 7. Refined copper (HS 7403)US$212.4 million
- 8. Zinc ore (HS 2608)US$199.4 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Nickel ore (HS 2604)US$194.2 million
- 10. Sulfur (HS 2503)US$93.1 million
- 11. Grapes (HS 0806)US$82.1 million
- 12. Wood charcoal (HS 4402)US$70.1 million
- 13. Fresh or chilled beef (HS 0201)US$60.9 million
- 14. Foundry binders and chemical preparations (HS 3824)US$56.9 million
- 15. Nitrogen fertilizer (HS 3102)US$55.7 million
- 16. Copper ore (HS 2603)US$55.2 million
- 17. New rubber tires (HS 4011)US$54.2 million
- 18. Frozen beef (HS 0202)US$48.8 million
- 19. Marble and other limestone (HS 2515)US$45.9 million
- 20. Beer (HS 2203)US$43.1 million
- Uranium ore, gold and diamonds together make 50.5 percent of 2025 export value, so the top of this list reflects mining. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Flow X includes re-exports, which Namibia reported at US$1.73 billion in 2025, so some lines reflect goods that passed through Namibia. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Namibia exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- South Africa24.7%
- China16.7%
- Botswana12.1%
- Zambia10.6%
- Spain4.2%
- United States3.9%
- France3.8%
- Netherlands2.5%
- Reported exports include re-exports, so some destinations reflect goods that Namibia sold on after importing them. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Namibia exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (uranium ore, gold and diamonds) make up about 67% of Namibia’s goods exports, so the totals mostly describe that trade. For another product, look at demand for your own line, market by market.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Namibia exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Namibia exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 2, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks frozen fish, fish fillets and other fish meat and grapes as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Namibia’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Namibia exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 2, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Fresh or chilled beef grew 49% from 2024 to 2025; frozen beef grew 12% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Namibia exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 2, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
Southern African Customs Union (SACU Agreement, 2002)
Goods move between Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa under one customs union.
Customs union rules apply, and the union sets its trade agreements with other countries jointly.
Source: SACU Secretariat, SACU Agreement of 2002 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
SADC Free Trade Area (Protocol on Trade)
Namibian goods that meet SADC origin rules can enter other member states at preferential rates.
Rules-based preference, and an exporter registers with NamRA before claiming it.
Source: SADC Investment Portal, access to markets (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Registered exporters can use reduced tariffs in other AfCFTA states whose tariff schedules are in force.
Preference depends on each importing country's own schedule; the AfCFTA Secretariat reported Namibia's gazetted provisional schedule in February 2025.
Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, Namibia tariff schedule gazetted, February 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of February 19, 2025
AGOA
Eligible Namibian goods can enter the United States without the general duty, if they meet AGOA's rules.
Namibia is on the 2026 list, and Public Law 119-103 extends the program to 31 December 2028. Other United States tariffs may still apply, so check the current rate before you price.
Source: Federal Register, AGOA 2027 eligibility review notice, 30 June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
Show 5 more agreements
Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the SADC EPA States
Namibian goods can enter the European Union duty free and quota free, subject to rules of origin.
Start dates differ between the Commission and SACU, and Implementing Regulation 2026/2238 stopped fresh meat entry from Namibia's approved zone in October 2026.
Source: European Commission, European Union trade relations with SADC (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Economic Partnership Agreement between the SACU Member States and Mozambique and the United Kingdom
Namibian goods can enter the United Kingdom at the agreement's preferential rates.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: GOV.UK, summary of the SACUM-United Kingdom EPA (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Free Trade Agreement between the EFTA States and the SACU States
Namibian goods can enter the EFTA states at the agreement's rates.
Rules-based preference, with separate agricultural agreements for farm goods.
Source: SACU Secretariat, trade agreements register (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Preferential Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and SACU
Listed Namibian goods can enter the MERCOSUR countries at preferential rates.
Limited product coverage, so check the tariff lines.
Source: SACU Secretariat, trade agreements register (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
NAMZIM trade agreement with Zimbabwe
Namibian goods that meet the NAMZIM content rules can enter Zimbabwe at preferential rates.
The date and tariff lines are not established here; a NamRA certificate is required.
Source: NamRA, NAMZIM certificate of origin form (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Namibia
- Register the business and confirm it holds a trade license.Business and Intellectual Property AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NIPDB, Namibia Exporters Guide, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
- Register with NamRA as an exporter, and as an exporter under each trade agreement you intend to use.Namibia Revenue AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NIPDB, Namibia Exporters Guide, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
- Find out whether your goods need an export permit, and apply in the online IMEX system if they do.Ministry of International Relations and TradeOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NIPDB, Namibia Exporters Guide, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
- Get the sector permit or certificate your goods need, such as horticulture permits or livestock product export quality control.Namibian Agronomic Board and Livestock and Livestock Products Board of NamibiaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NIPDB, Namibia Exporters Guide, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
Show 5 more export steps
- For meat, livestock and fish, get the veterinary or export health certificate the importing market requires.Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land ReformOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NIPDB, Namibia Exporters Guide, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
- Meet the buyer's standards, using national standards, testing and certification where they apply.Namibian Standards InstitutionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NIPDB, Namibia Exporters Guide, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
- Apply to NamRA for the certificate of origin that matches the agreement, such as the SADC electronic certificate.Namibia Revenue AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NamRA, electronic certificate of origin brochure (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Have your freight forwarder declare the goods to NamRA customs, using your trader identification number and a Unique Consignment Reference.Namibia Revenue AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NamRA, annual report 2023/24 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Follow exchange control for payments, and expect the Trade Verification System to match bank payments with your export declarations.Bank of NamibiaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NamRA, annual report 2023/24 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with NamRA and NSA. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Research markets
National statistics office
NSA
Namibia Statistics Agency
Publishes consumer and producer price indices and trade statistics a company can use for market research.
Visit NSA (opens in a new tab)Source: Namibia Statistics Agency, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Trade policy dialogue agency
NTF
Namibia Trade Forum
Runs public-private dialogue on trade and investment policy, so companies can raise problems with trade rules.
Visit NTF (opens in a new tab)Source: Namibia Trade Forum, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Show 4 more organizations
Trade corridor group
WBCG
Walvis Bay Corridor Group
Regional body
Works to raise cargo volumes through the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz and along the corridors that serve them.
Visit WBCG (opens in a new tab)Source: Walvis Bay Corridor Group, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Research markets
Continental trade secretariat
AfCFTA Secretariat
Multilateral body
Announces national steps under the continental free trade area, such as the gazetting of tariff schedules.
Visit AfCFTA Secretariat (opens in a new tab)Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, Namibia tariff schedule gazetted, February 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of February 19, 2025
- Research markets
Global trade rules body
WTO
World Trade Organization
Multilateral body
Publishes Trade4MSMEs, guides on international trade for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Visit WTO (opens in a new tab)Source: Trade4MSMEs (WTO), about page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Research markets
Regional community secretariat
SADC Secretariat
Southern African Development Community Secretariat
Regional body
Runs the regional community whose trade protocol gives its members a free trade area.
Visit SADC Secretariat (opens in a new tab)Source: SADC Investment Portal, access to markets (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
NamRA
Namibia Revenue Agency
Administers customs and tax, registers exporters for trade preferences, and issues the electronic certificate of origin.
Visit NamRA (opens in a new tab)Source: NamRA, annual report 2023/24 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Meet requirements
Social security authority
SSC
Social Security Commission
Receives employer registrations and the social security contributions that apply to employees.
Visit SSC (opens in a new tab)Source: NIPDB, Investment Guide, Volume 3, starting a business (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Meet requirements
National port authority
Namport
Namibian Ports Authority
Manages the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, the sea gateways for Namibian cargo.
Visit Namport (opens in a new tab)Source: Namport, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Meet requirements
Customs union secretariat
SACU
Southern African Customs Union Secretariat
Regional body
Administers the customs union and publishes its trade agreements with other countries and blocs.
Visit SACU (opens in a new tab)Source: SACU Secretariat, trade agreements register (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
NSI
Namibian Standards Institution
Develops standards, runs product certification and testing, and serves as the national technical barriers to trade enquiry point.
Visit NSI (opens in a new tab)Source: Namibian Standards Institution, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Livestock products board
LLPB
Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia
Runs classification and export quality control for meat and other livestock products.
Visit LLPB (opens in a new tab)Source: Livestock and Livestock Products Board, export quality control page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Show 1 more organization
Agronomic products board
NAB
Namibian Agronomic Board
Issues permits and controls the cross-border flow of agronomic and horticultural products.
Visit NAB (opens in a new tab)Source: Namibian Agronomic Board, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
NCCI
Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Supports members with investor facilitation, trade missions and certificates of origin.
Visit NCCI (opens in a new tab)Source: NCCI, home page and trade services (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Get advice
Mining industry association
Chamber of Mines
Chamber of Mines of Namibia
Speaks for the mining industry on policy and sets ethical conduct standards for its members.
Visit Chamber of Mines (opens in a new tab)Source: Chamber of Mines of Namibia, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Foot-and-mouth disease
The European Union suspended fresh meat of cattle, sheep and goats from Namibia's previously FMD-free zone after the outbreak confirmed on 23 September 2026.
What to do: Check current veterinary and European Union notices before you contract meat shipments.
Sources: European Union delegation, foot and mouth statement, October 2026 (opens in a new tab); European Union Regulation 2026/2238, Official Journal, 2026 (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
AGOA status
Namibia is on the 2026 AGOA list, and a law signed on 2 September 2026 extends the program to 31 December 2028.
What to do: Confirm the eligibility list and any other United States tariffs on your goods before you price.
Sources: Federal Register, AGOA 2027 eligibility review notice, 30 June 2026 (opens in a new tab); GovInfo, H.R. 6500 bill status, 2 September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Logistics and border performance
NamRA's 2023 time release study found average clearance of imported goods at Walvis Bay took 19 days, 7 hours and 32 minutes.
What to do: Ask your clearing agent for current release times at your port or border post.
Source: NamRA, annual report 2023/24 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Currency and settlement
The Bank of Namibia raised its repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.00 percent in October 2026 to safeguard the peg to the rand.
What to do: Price contracts with the rand peg in mind and confirm payment terms with your bank.
Source: Bank of Namibia, home page, October 2026 policy statement (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Namibia project.
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Promote:Namibia is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 29, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.