TRADE AGREEMENTS AND WORKERS BENEFITS IN NAMIBIA: IS THE INCLUSION OF MANDATORY LABOUR PROVISIONS IN TRADE AGREEMENTS AN ANSWER?

Abstract

Trade which is voluntary exchange of goods or services between different economic actors hasbeen seen as a major contributor towards socio-economic development especially in Africa. Namibia is located at the west coast of Africa, sharing boarders with South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Namibia is rich in mineral resources such as Diamonds, Copper, Gold and Lithium and exports these minerals to other countries. In the Agricultural sector, Namibia exports Beef and in the fisheries sector, it exports fish. Most recently, Namibia recognized its ability to produce green hydrogen which seems to have drawn international investment attention to the country. Namibia has also been part of most regional agreements such as Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Despite the fact that there could be noticeable benefits derived by Namibia from being a member party to these agreements, the extent to which the employment sector and employees at the grass-root level derives benefits from these agreements is questionable. This paper aims to investigate the benefits which workers in Namibia derives from the identified regional and international agreements. In doing so the paper briefly looks at the key elements of the Decent Work Agenda such as employment opportunities, adequate earnings and productive work; decent working time; stability and security of work; combining work, family and personal life; equal opportunity and treatment in employment; safe work environment; social security; social dialogue, employers’ and workers’ representation, which are crucial in drafting social clauses. The paper furthermore, seeks to recommend various ways in which employees can possibly benefit from regional and international trade agreements. Should Namibia include labour provisions in trade agreements for the maximum benefit of its employees? These are some of the key issues that the paper aims to investigate.