Welcome Reception remarks by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) and the Inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS) in Windhoek, Namibia on 19 June 2025.
Hosted by Minister of International Relations and Trade, Namibia, Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.
It’s a real pleasure to welcome you to this reception in the vibrant, resilient city of Windhoek — where the warmth of the people easily rivals the beauty of the landscape. Let me begin by offering my sincere thanks to the Government and people of Namibia for the generous hospitality and exceptional leadership they’ve shown this week — hosting not only the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting, but also the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit. This is a first. And it’s more than symbolic. It reflects something important: a growing determination across our Commonwealth to connect more deeply, trade more effectively, and grow more fairly.
A Commonwealth That Means Business
This morning, I had the honour of opening the Summit — alongside Ministers, CEOs, small enterprises and multilateral institutions. And what stood out to me was not just the diversity in the room, but the energy. There is a real appetite for action. The sessions are tackling everything from global trade resilience to digital infrastructure, agricultural trade to regional integration through AfCFTA. That’s because the Commonwealth is no longer just a political family — it’s an economic force. And it’s one that is increasingly aligned around the idea of shared prosperity.
Resilience Is the New Currency
Across the Commonwealth, we’re facing shared challenges:
- Climate shocks,
- Geopolitical tensions,
- Fragmented supply chains,
- And the urgent need to transition to digital, green economies.
Resilience isn’t just a buzzword anymore — it’s a prerequisite. Not just for governments, but for businesses too. And resilience must be built on inclusion. That means creating space for women entrepreneurs, youth innovators, small businesses, and those in landlocked or small island states to participate fully in trade and investment.
The Advantage We Share
We talk often about the Commonwealth Advantage — the fact that it’s 21% cheaper on average for us to trade with each other. But behind that number are real-world opportunities:
- Faster trade corridors.
- Smarter digital systems.
- More aligned regulations.
- And stronger partnerships.
This is where the Secretariat is focused — supporting member countries with trade facilitation, regulatory reform, investment readiness, and climate finance access. Because behind every statistic is a story: a farmer exporting a new crop, a young coder launching a platform, a small business accessing capital for the first time.
A Night to Connect — and Commit
So tonight is a pause — but not a full stop. It’s a chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate the work already done. But it’s also a moment to look ahead — to the partnerships we still need to forge, and the momentum we must carry forward. The Commonwealth’s future will be built on partnerships: Between governments and the private sector. Between regions and industries.
Between today’s leaders — and tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. Thank You — And Let’s Keep Going.
To our hosts, to all our partners, and to everyone who has made this Summit and this meeting a success — thank you.
To my colleagues at the Secretariat: I’m proud of what you’ve delivered, and what lies ahead. And to all of you: enjoy the evening, enjoy the conversations — and let’s keep building a Commonwealth that is resilient, ambitious, and ready for the future.
