Leaders from 56 member nations convene in Windhoek to push for inclusive, sustainable trade and investment across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Business Summit 2025 opened on 18 June in Windhoek, Namibia, with a strong call for trade and investment must deliver for all. Held in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting on 19 June, the Summit welcomed delegates from 56 Commonwealth nations under the theme 鈥淗arnessing Commonwealth Trade for Shared Prosperity.鈥
In her keynote address, Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey underscored the importance of turning the Commonwealth Trade Advantage into tangible results. Citing a shared market of 2.7 billion people and a 21% cost advantage in intra-Commonwealth trade, she encouraged attendees to generate bold, actionable ideas to drive meaningful economic transformation.
Namibia鈥檚 Minister of International Relations and Trade, Hon Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, welcomed delegates on behalf of the host country, expressing Namibia鈥檚 commitment to fostering cross-Commonwealth partnerships. She highlighted Namibia鈥檚 stable policy environment and investment-ready workforce.
Delegates took part in a walkabout exhibition featuring Namibian enterprises across sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and digital solutions. The exhibition offered hands-on insight into local innovation and entrepreneurship, reflecting the Summit鈥檚 focus on inclusive and forward-looking solutions.
The Summit鈥檚 agenda continues with high-level discussions on digital trade and gender equality in business. With participation from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and key financial institutions, the event aligns with broader goals of African industrialisation and economic integration.
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