Namibia eyes new grape market in Chad

**Loide Jason **

Namibia is exploring opportunities to export its table grapes to Chad as part of efforts to open new African markets for local agricultural produce and expand trade between the two countries.

Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, Walde Ndevashiya, says the mission is working to identify potential buyers and distributors in Chad and connect them with Namibian grape producers and exporters.

The initiative forms part of Namibia’s efforts to turn its diplomatic relations with Chad into practical trade opportunities, with agriculture identified as one of the sectors that could deliver immediate commercial benefits.

Ndevashiya said Namibia had established a reputation for producing quality agricultural products, including table grapes, which already have export markets.

“Namibia has developed a reputation for producing quality agricultural products, including table grapes, which have established export markets,” he said.

He said Chad presented an opportunity for Namibian producers to expand their reach through its commercial and distribution networks.

The High Commissioner, who presented his Letters of Credence to Chadian President Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno on 19 October 2026, said the mission was now focusing on identifying credible Chadian importers, wholesalers, supermarket chains and fresh-produce distributors.

He said the aim was to establish direct commercial relationships between Namibian producers and Chadian buyers.

“At this stage, the focus is on market exploration, identifying potential importers and distributors, and establishing the necessary commercial and regulatory requirements,” Ndevashiya said.

He said the mission would work with relevant Namibian institutions, including the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), agricultural stakeholders and the private sector to facilitate the proposed trade.

However, he said several practical arrangements would need to be addressed before exports could begin.

These include phytosanitary certification, customs procedures, import permits, product standards and applicable tariffs. The two countries would also need to consider transport and cold-chain arrangements to ensure that grapes reach Chadian consumers in good condition and at competitive prices.

Ndevashiya said the success of the initiative would depend on actual business transactions rather than diplomatic engagements alone.

“The success of this initiative will be measured not by the number of meetings we hold, but by actual orders, shipments and sustained commercial relationships,” he said.

The proposed grape exports form part of broader efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Namibia and Chad.

During his engagements in N’Djamena, Ndevashiya also met the President of Chad’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, Mines and Crafts, Gademi Abderrahmane, on 14 October 2026.

The discussions focused on strengthening relations between the business communities of the two countries, including the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding between their respective chambers of commerce and organising reciprocal business missions.

Ndevashiya said the two countries were also exploring the establishment of a Namibia–Chad Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation to coordinate and monitor bilateral programmes.

Beyond grape exports, he identified livestock production, meat processing, mining, oil and gas, fisheries, renewable energy, tourism and logistics as other areas offering opportunities for cooperation.

He said Namibia’s experience in livestock production, animal health management and meat processing could complement Chad’s substantial livestock sector.

The High Commissioner said the mission’s economic diplomacy approach was aligned with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s “Business Unusual” principle, which calls for diplomatic relations to contribute directly to trade expansion, investment mobilisation and job creation.

“Our ambition is to move from diplomatic representation to economic representation, from identifying opportunities to facilitating transactions, and from signing agreements to implementing projects,” he said. – [email protected]

Photo

Opportunities… Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, Walde Ndevashiya presented his letter of credence to Chadian President Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.

Photos: Contributed

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