Launch of Namibia Fatty Oils Export Guide

In the frame of the BioInnovation Africa project (BIA) to improve capacities to promote biodiversity-based value chains and to reduce market barriers at national levels, BIA Namibia partnered with GIZ Agency for Business and Economic Development, Sequa gGmbH and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) with the aim of developing a Namibia Fatty Oils Export Guide for MSMEs. This collaboration was offered as a capacity building programme by sequa gGmbH to NIPDB – a Business Support Organizations (BSO) in Namibia.

Supporting MSMEs to enter European markets

Producers willing to export their product towards the European Union often need reliable sources of information and service providers they can trust in. This guide provides MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) with essential strategies for entering the European cosmetics market, leveraging the high quality of Namibian fatty oils like marula and manketti. The guide aims to help local businesses capitalize on these oils' richness in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. This guide was launched on the 23rd April 2024 at the NIPDB offices in Windhoek.

Benefits of the Export Guide

By facilitating access to international markets, the Namibia Fatty Oils Export Guide opens new revenue streams for local businesses and promotes sustainable employment opportunities. The guide aligns with BioInnovation Africa’s goals of integrating biodiversity into economic activities and supporting sustainable development in rural Namibia. It offers comprehensive advice on market research, regulatory compliance, packaging, and logistics management tailored to European standards. Julia Muetudhana, NIPDB’s Executive Director for Talent, Innovation, and Productivity, emphasized the guide's role in equipping MSMEs with the knowledge needed to navigate international trade complexities. This initiative empowers Namibian entrepreneurs to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable cosmetics in Europe and beyond.

 

June 2024