As global trade continues to be tested by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain pressures, and rising economic disparities, the Commonwealth Business Summit opened today in Windhoek with a clear message: trade and investment must deliver for all.
Held alongside the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting, which starts on 19 June, the Summit brought together leaders from across 56 diverse member countries to explore practical solutions for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth under the theme: "Harnessing Commonwealth Trade for Shared Prosperity."
Opening the Summit, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, delivered a keynote speech that set a bold and pragmatic tone:
“This Summit is not just a new event, it is a new platform designed to turn the Commonwealth Trade Advantage into real trade opportunities,” she declared. Citing a “market of 2.7 billion people” and a “21% average cost saving on intra-Commonwealth trade,” she challenged attendees to move beyond rhetoric.
“Let this Summit be a launchpad for bold ideas; for practical solutions; and for meaningful investment that transforms lives,” she said.
Image
Hon Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, officially welcomed delegates on behalf of the host nation, embracing the spirit of Ubuntu: "humanity towards others.” She emphasised Namibia’s readiness to serve as a hub for cross-Commonwealth investment.
“Namibia is ready to support our Commonwealth Family in our joint business journey. We offer a stable policy environment, investment support mechanisms and a youthful, trainable workforce,” she affirmed.
A central message echoed throughout the opening ceremony was the importance of inclusive, sustainable, and innovative trade. Secretary-General Botchwey highlighted the vital role of MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and youth.
“Trade must work for all, not just for big companies in major markets,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Minister Ashipala-Musavyi praised the Summit’s focus on digital trade and climate-conscious supply chains.
Image
Following the opening ceremony, Trade Ministers and Secretary-General Botchwey participated in a walkabout exhibition showcasing Namibian entrepreneurship and innovation. Delegates visited displays featuring local businesses across key sectors, from sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to textiles and digital solutions. The exhibition offered an opportunity to engage directly with entrepreneurs and see firsthand the vibrant potential within Namibia’s growing economy.
Throughout the day, delegates engaged in a series of high-level sessions focused on global trade resilience, the path to $2 trillion in intra-Commonwealth trade, gender equality in business, and the future of digital trade. From panel discussions on empowering women entrepreneurs to technical dialogues on paperless trade, the programme highlighted the Summit’s commitment to inclusive, forward-looking solutions.
Image
With participation from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, development banks, and business chambers, the Summit also aligns with Africa’s broader industrialisation and regional integration agenda.
As the Summit continues over the next two days, sessions will further explore innovation, digital infrastructure, trade facilitation, and sustainable investment. Delegates are expected to leave Windhoek not just with new insights, but with deals and a shared agenda for inclusive, innovative, and investable growth.
- For updates and livestream access, visit the Commonwealth Business Summit hub
- See more photos of Day 1 of the Commonwealth Business Summit in our Flickr gallery
- See photos of the walkabout exhibition on Flickr
- Welcome address by the Namibia Minister of International Relations and Trade, Hon Selma Ashipala-Musavyi (PDF)
- Keynote address by Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (PDF)
Media contact
- Rena Gashumba Communications Adviser, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- T: +44 7483 919 968 | E-mail
