Angola bans cement from Namibia

Angola bans cement from Namibia
27 June 2011


Angola has barred all cement exports from Namibia as of last Monday evening. A representative from Namibia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) called the decision by the Angolan government "a step backward in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)’s push for regional integration".

Angola is to take over the chairmanship of SADC from Namibia in August.

New Era can confirm that about 20 long-haul trucks loaded with cement were not allowed to enter Angola - even though customers in that country ordered the cement.

NCCI says the decision was not communicated to the Namibian Government or businesses trading with Angola beforehand.

The manner in which the ban was administered "puts up questions of trust in the Angolan government and create worry of business sustainability, especially when government changes administrative [rules at a whim]" says the chamber, which is asking Angola to review its decision.

’There must be some level of predictability on issues affecting the region," said NCCI chief executive officer Tarah Shaanika.
Published under Cement News