Standard Bank Namibia has participated in the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), held in June 2025, as part of a broader Standard Bank Group delegation committed to unlocking new export opportunities for African businesses in the Chinese market.
Representing Namibia among 48 businesses from 10 African countries, local beef processor Chakula Abattoir showcased its products and potential to Chinese buyers. The Expo, which drew over 12,000 delegates and 2,800 organizations, continues to serve as a strategic gateway for African exporters. In 2023 alone, CAETE facilitated over $10.3 billion in signed projects, and this year’s event was further boosted by China’s new zero-tariff policy on products from 53 African nations.
Standard Bank, in partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), is driving African export growth through its Africa-China Trade Solution (ACTS). This comprehensive offering includes access to Renminbi for cross-border payments and trade finance, end-to-end logistics coordination, product registration support with Chinese customs, digital promotion via Chinese e-commerce platforms, expert advisory services, and bilingual Mandarin-English matchmaking with vetted buyers.
For Chakula Abattoir, the experience was transformative. Managing Director Nakathingo Shimwino shared: “My visit to China was truly transformative. The scale of opportunity and precision of Chinese industries was inspiring. We saw firsthand that global markets are open to Namibian products, and we are ready.”
Standard Bank Namibia Relationship Manager Mansueta Dlakavu, who accompanied Chakula and is fluent in Mandarin, added: “Navigating the Chinese market requires more than ambition—it demands understanding. At Standard Bank Namibia, we’ve built the cross-cultural expertise and technical know-how to help our clients seize the right opportunities.”
As Namibia’s gateway to international markets, Standard Bank Namibia remains committed to empowering local businesses to reach new frontiers and realise their export ambitions.
Standard Bank Namibia Limited is a licensed, supervised, and regulated commercial bank under the Bank of Namibia, the country’s central banking authority.