The United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative in Namibia, Alka Bhatia, has encouraged scaling up support to the informal sector, and micro, small, and medium enterprises, to improve their capacity.

This, she says, will maximise the gains that the southern African region can expect from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The UNDP Resident Representative stated that enhancing the capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, especially those led by women and youth, will drive structural economic transformation through trade and investment.

This will create resilience while ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development in Namibia and Africa in general.

Bhatia reiterated the UNDP's commitment to support Namibia's full implementation of the AfCFTA through capacity-building initiatives.

"In supporting the full implementation of the AfCFTA, creation of awareness and sensitization, and provision of catalytic funding to support Namibia's efforts and contribution in the region towards maximising the opportunities and benefits that the AfCFTA provides. We deem the agreement a vehicle for creating decent jobs and wealth, enhancing inclusive and sustainable development, supporting green recovery, ultimately eradicating extreme poverty across the African continent; and supporting the acceleration and attainment of most of the SDGs by 2030."

Bhatia addressed a recent Africa Youth Consultative Workshop on the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement Protocol in Windhoek.