Namibia explores Chad as new market for table grapes
Namibia's High Commissioner to Chad, Walde Ndevashiya, is working to find Chadian buyers for Namibian table grapes and link them with local exporters.
Namibia is exploring whether it can export its table grapes to Chad, as part of a wider push to open new African markets for local farm produce. Walde Ndevashiya, Namibia's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, says the mission is identifying potential buyers and distributors in Chad and connecting them with Namibian grape producers and exporters.
Ndevashiya said Namibia has built a reputation for quality agricultural products, including table grapes, which already have export markets. He said the mission is focusing on credible Chadian importers, wholesalers, supermarket chains and fresh-produce distributors, and will work with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), farming groups and the private sector. He presented his Letters of Credence to Chadian President Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno on 19 October 2026.
Several practical steps must be settled before any shipment leaves, including phytosanitary certification, customs procedures, import permits, product standards and tariffs. Transport and cold-chain arrangements also need to be agreed so the grapes arrive in good condition at competitive prices. Ndevashiya said success will be judged by actual orders and shipments, not by the number of meetings held. On 14 October 2026 he also met Gademi Abderrahmane, president of Chad's Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, Mines and Crafts, to discuss a possible memorandum of understanding between the two chambers.
Why it mattersNamibian table grape producers and exporters would gain access to Chadian importers, wholesalers and distributors if the trade is established.