||Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick is calling on local entrepreneurs to take responsibility for their own understanding of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Speaking at the launch of a ||Kharas Regional awareness-raising campaign in Keemanshoop, she said the free trade zone offers numerous benefits if properly utilized.

The Namibia Trade Agency, under the UNDP support program, organised the awareness drive on AfCFTA, which aims to boost intra-African trade by eliminating barriers to trade on the continent.

In her speech, delivered by Keetmanshoop Rural Constituency Councillor Gerrit Witbooi, Frederick noted that the region has steadily developed as an important economic powerhouse since independence. "The region continues to be one of the dominant players in Namibia's economic growth. Given the region's dominance in economic activities, a clear understanding of what the AfCFTA has in store will help the region tap into the opportunities presented and increase its contribution to sustainable economic development."

Keetmanshoop Mayor McDonald Hanse, in a speech delivered on his behalf by fellow councillor Annelize Knaus, also highlighted the importance of understanding the agreement for entrepreneurs. "The awareness creation of the AfCFTA must be seen as one of the enablers that will provide stakeholders and the business community the necessary information to take advantage of the opportunities established by the AfCFTA."

Also speaking at the occasion was UNDP representative Sofia Nambahu. "Understanding the AfCFTA is very important for Namibia, especially the business community, which will allow us to leverage the opportunities and benefits that the AfCFTA will bring about. The agreement holds promises for Africa, especially the Namibian economic development, and will also boost intra-African trade. As such, this session has come at the right time where we are urging businesses and also Namibia to prepare themselves to benefit from the opportunity of the AfCFTA."

Nambahu says research-based evidence suggests that AfCFTA, if correctly implemented, can help Namibia realise about 4.1% economic growth.

Statistics further suggest that AfCFTA could see a 2.8% expansion of the country's exports.