| Overview : Since independence in 1990, Namibia has been infamous for its huge and persistent trade deficit particularly in commodities that can be produced locally. Despite Namibia being party to various Free Trade Agreements, the country has remained a net-importer of various basic commodities including food and other agri-products like fertilizers. As a result, Namibia finds itself in unfavorable situations that make the country vulnerable to food insecurity. For instance, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic that left most of the borders closed for trade resulted in shortage of food in the country and subsequent rise in prices. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seems to be Namibia’s hope to increase its export base by getting access to the African market with an estimated population of 2.5 billion people. However, access to this market requires knowledge about the dynamics of demand and supply. Therefore, a market intelligence study is required to establish the demand for locally produced commodities in this market coinciding with shortages of similar commodities. Based on the above, the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF) seeks the services of an expert consultant to conduct a market intelligence study that will identify existing demand manifested through shortage of locally produced commodities within the continent. The market access analysis should also consider domestic market taking into account the retail sector charter. The findings from the market intelligence study will enable producers/manufacturers to become more customer-centric, gain a better understanding of market demands and perspectives of consumers, collect real-time relevant data, increase upselling chances and earnings, decrease risks and vulnerability to shocks, increase market shares, and gain a competitive advantage. | 
