For the very first time, Africa played host to the meeting of the Commonwealth Trade Ministers. From 16-20 June 2025, ministers gathered together in Namibia to discuss a range of critical issues.

The agenda included intra-Commonwealth trade, strategies for unlocking sustainable investment, and the integrity of the multilateral trading system. In addition to their Outcomes Statement Ministers also adopted a Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System to the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation reinforcing the group’s united position on fair, inclusive, and rules-based global trade.

The meeting took place alongside the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS), which sought to connect policymakers with business leaders and development partners to chart a unified economic future.

Local support enabling economic growth

Local government plays an important role in supporting and enabling economic growth and development and providing essential services which allow businesses to grow and to thrive. Cities generate up to 80% of GDP globally so it is important that they are part of the debate around strengthening economic and trade opportunities in the Commonwealth. CLGF was delighted to be represented at the Commonwealth Business Summit by Hon Dr Samuel !Oe-Amseb, President of the Association of Local Authorities of Namibia, and CLGF Board Member. It was particularly timely given the work CLGF has been supporting in Namibia to prepare their national LED policy.

Hon Dr Samuel !Oe-Amseb said: “The meetings in Windhoek gathered many of the key stakeholders that underpin business and trade in the Commonwealth. It was important for local government to be present and to highlight how we can work together with the private sector and other partners to improve the business environment in our local governments and to support the SMEs and value chains on which trade in the Commonwealth is built”

A full summary of both meetings and the outcomes statements can be found here.

Image courtesy of the Commonwealth Secretariat