ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The declaration of Namibia?s independence from South Africa in 1990 has seen the Namibian government aim to plan and implement development programmes that enhance a growing agricultural sector. The new government is facing challenges regarding the addressing of inequalities of income and the allocation and distribution of resources, which have resulted in implementation of the land reform programmes. On the international front, Namibia is a member country of various trade arrangements, such as the WTO, the SADC and SACU. The main driving force behind Namibia?s joining the international communities chiefly has been market access and trade policy reforms. The country?s agricultural sector, in particular the horticultural industry, in regards to table grape production, has been significantly affected by both domestic and regional policies, as well as by the WTO rules.The aim of this study is to determine the environmental factors that create a competitive advantage for the Namibian table grape industry in the international market. A detailed supply-chain analysis, augmented by Porter?s ?diamond? model, is used in this study to assess the determinants of the competitiveness of fresh table grapes. Interviews were conducted in informal, semi-structured questions. The questionnaires were mailed to several producers within the table grape-growing industry. Secondary information was obtained from reports, articles and research publications, among other sources. An expert assessment was used to verify information based on the reference methods. Consultations took place in the form of office visits and, in some cases, telephone interviews were held with different experts.The finding of the study shows that Namibia can supply the European markets during the northern hemisphere off-season with quality fresh table grapes. However, industry growth in the European Union (EU) market is constrained by limited free import quotas and high tariffs, specifically as regards seeded fresh table grapes, which are not exempt from such duties. Such constraints are in place despite Namibia?s meeting of international set quality standards, such as EUREPGAP.Moreover, there is potential for increasing supplies to the regional and Asian markets as well as the US market albeit to the lesser extent.Finally, Namibian fresh table grapes profitability is significantly affected by the high production and transaction costs incurred, as well as by the decline in business and the depreciation of the US Dollar against the Namibian Dollar. The study makes the general recommendation that producers should significantly reduce their transaction costs within the chain, by means of vertical co-ordination and integration.
