Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-Namibia

04/06/2026

PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS | Dr. Khai Zhou, UNAIDS Country Director, today, 04 June 2026, presented her Letters of Credence to Honourable Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade.

Hon. Ashipala-Musavyi congratulated Dr. Zhou on her appointment and reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with UNAIDS.

The meeting also explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the promotion of public health initiatives, and the strengthening of partnerships aimed at improving the well-being of communities in Namibia.

04/06/2026

COURTESY CALL| On Tuesday 02 June 2026, Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, welcomed Mr. Dan Barnes, Managing Director for Selection, Eligibility, and Policy Performance at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), during a courtesy call to discuss Namibia's eligibility for a potential MCC Compact.

Mr. Barnes is in Namibia on a country assessment mission, the findings of which will contribute to the MCC Board's consideration of a possible Compact partnership with the Republic of Namibia.

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Namibia says the success of the UN80 reform process hinges on member states meeting their financial obligations and that efficiency measures do not undermine programmes that support developing countries.

01/06/2026

30/05/2026

AFRICA DAY NETWORKING GALA DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Africa must continue strengthening intra-African trade and economic cooperation. The African Continental Free Trade Area presents a historic opportunity for our continent to unlock new markets, expand industrial capacity, and reduce dependency on external markets.

This was said by Honourable Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Muisavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) when she delivered a Keynote Address at an Africa Day networking gala dinner and awards ceremony at the conclusion of a two-day 3rd edition of the Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo & Business Summit held in Swakopmund on 29 and 30 May 2026.

The trade expo and business summit was organised by Africa Economic Leadership Council and brought together small and medium enterprises, established business and government institutions.

The Minister commended the Africa Economic Leadership Council for a successful 3rd Edition of the Invest in Africa Trade and Expo Business Summit noting that the Council truly deserves recognition for creating a platform that not only celebrates African excellence but also enhances dialogue, partnerships, cooperation, and collaboration across the continent.

“Africa’s future will be shaped not merely by governments alone, but through meaningful partnerships between the public and private sectors, innovators and entrepreneurs,” Honourable Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said.

The Expo and Summit was held under the theme: Driving Africa’s Transformation through Leadership and Partnership.” Relating to the theme, the Minister noted that, leadership is critical for any huma endeavour as it provides vision
“The same applies to relationships between and among countries. No one country in this world is too big to go it alone, and none is too small to contribute to a peaceful and prosperous world. This is why we have SADC, the African Union and the United Nations to forge sub-regional, continental and global cooperation. In the same vein, governments need the private sector to create wealth, while the private sector and SMEs need government to create an enabling environment to operate. I believe, this was the crux of the discussions over the past two days, how to make the AfCFTA more accessible and efficient,” she said.

Her Excellency Melody Chaurura, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Namibia was also a special guest at the event.

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

MIRT PARTICIPATES IN INVEST IN AFRICA EXPO & SUMMIT | The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) with its agencies the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF) is participating at the 3rd Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo & Business Summit hosted by the Africa Economic Leadership Council in Swakopmund from 28 – 30 May 2026.

The Expo and Summit takes place at the Municipal Tennis Court next to Strand Hotel.

The Invest in Africa Trade Expo & Summit seeks to advance the discourse concerning continental economic integration by formulating strategic approaches that translate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework into practical, market-driven realities, the organisers of the event noted.

Delivering the Keynote speech on behalf of Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia at the event, the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Honourable Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, noted that for far too long, African economies have relied heavily on external markets for trade, hence intra-African trade remained extremely low.

She noted that the AfCFTA now accords Africa ample opportunity to change this narrative.
“The time for talking about Africa’s prospects and possibilities is over. Africa is now implementing one of the largest economic integration projects in modern history - the African Continental Free Trade Area. It is critical that we imbibe the AfCFTA not merely as a trade agreement, but Africa’s blueprint for unity, industrialization, economic transformation and shared prosperity. In other words, we must embrace the AfCFTA as Africa’s last resort for Africa’s economic sovereignty,” she said.

Honourable Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musvayi took a tour to visit various stalls and stands inside and outside the exhibition hall were she actively engaged exhibitors

28/05/2026

GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY| The Minister of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) Honourable Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi joined thousands of Namibians in commemorating the genocide committed against the Ovaherero and Nama people of Namibia between 1904 and 1908 during the German colonial occupation following extermination orders.

Honourable Ambassador Ashipala-Musavyi attended the Genocide Remembrance Day events, held across all 14 regions of the country, in Swakopmund, one of the towns where some of the worst atrocities were committed against the Namibian people who were held in one of the concentration camps in the country during that time.

Speaker upon speaker at the event echoed the words of the President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who called for Namibians to use the day as a day of reflection, set their differences aside and pay homage to those who suffered and perished during this painful period in the history of the country.

The Head of State urged Namibians to remain steadfast to ensuring that the atrocities committed against the Ovaherero and Nama people receive the same recognition, historical acknowledgement and moral attention committed elsewhere in the world.

Members of the community who attended the Swakopmund commemoration marched a short distance from the event venue to a historical site where graves of the Ovaherero and Nama victims remains buried to pay homage.

Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, together with the Governor of the Erongo Region, Honourable Natalia /Goagoses, traditional leaders and other high-ranking officials in the region participated in wreath laying ceremonies at the historical gravesite.

28/05/2026

Message by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia on the Occasion of Genocide Remembrance Day 28 May 2026

As Namibians commemorate Genocide Remembrance Day today, we pause to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history and honour the memory of the thousands of innocent Ovaherero and Nama lives lost during the 1904–1908 Genocide.
We also honour the courage and resistance of those who stood against colonial oppression and injustice at a time when the survival and dignity of our people were under attack.

The events of that period were not isolated from the broader story of our nation. They formed part of the foundation upon which the spirit of resistance and national consciousness was built, ultimately inspiring future generations in the long struggle for freedom and independence.

Genocide Remembrance Day is therefore not only important for the affected Ovaherero and Nama communities, but for all Namibians. It is a national day of remembrance, reflection, and learning, particularly for the younger generation, who must continue to understand the painful history that shaped our country and the sacrifices that were made for the Namibia we know today.

Above all, this day should serve as a moment for us as Namibians to set aside our differences and pay homage to those who suffered and perished during this painful period of our history. Their sacrifice and resistance became part of the foundation upon which our nation was built. As such, this occasion must continue to unite us around our shared history, shared humanity, and shared responsibility to preserve the truth of what transpired.

As communities across various regions host commemorative events and activities, I encourage Namibians to participate in these engagements in a spirit of respect, unity, reflection, and national solidarity. While we remain cognizant of the sensitivity surrounding this painful chapter in our history, we must also recognize that every Namibian has the right to honour and pay tribute to those who perished during the Genocide. Their memory and sacrifice form part of our collective national heritage and consciousness.

The pain and impact of the Genocide continue to be felt generations later. As a nation, we therefore remain committed to ensuring that the atrocities committed against the Ovaherero and Nama people receive the same recognition, historical acknowledgement, and moral attention accorded to genocides and crimes against humanity committed elsewhere in the world. In doing so, we reaffirm the importance of historical truth, justice, healing, and reparations as part of the broader process of reconciliation and closure.

Hence, our Government, together with the affected communities, will continue to engage the Federal Republic of Germany until the matter of the Genocide, apology, and reparations is brought to a just and meaningful conclusion.

As a nation, we must continue to protect and preserve our history. We must tell our own stories, document our experiences, and ensure that future generations never lose sight of the suffering, resilience, and sacrifice of those who came before us.
May Genocide Remembrance Day continue to strengthen our collective commitment to peace, unity, human dignity, and nation-building.