Namibia is strategically re-engineering its foreign policy to prioritise economic diplomacy, intending to advance national development objectives and enhance citizens’ welfare.
At a recent Diplomatic Corps Briefing, Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, outlined the government’s shift towards leveraging international relationships for economic gain. This new approach is underscored by President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to merge the portfolios of international relations, trade, and investment.
“This was to ensure better coordinated synergies in the pursuit of our economic diplomacy,” Ashipala-Musavyi stated.
The minister emphasized that Namibia’s foreign policy is now more closely aligned with its seven national development priorities: agriculture, sports, youth empowerment, quality education and training, creative industries, quality health and social welfare, and land, housing, and sanitation.
Bilateral engagements with neighboring countries and international partners will be used to complement these domestic efforts. The government’s focus on regional and continental economic integration is further highlighted by recent presidential visits to Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Tanzania. These trips, according to the minister, aim to strengthen trade ties and regional cooperation.
While emphasising a pragmatic approach to foreign relations, Namibia will continue to uphold its constitutional principles of non-alignment and peaceful resolution of disputes. Ashipala-Musavyi noted that in a time of geopolitical strife, the country supports effective multilateralism and the vision of a peaceful world as outlined in the UN Charter.
The country will also maintain its solidarity with nations seeking self-determination, such as Palestine and Western Sahara. Namibia is also calling for the removal of unilateral coercive measures against Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, arguing that such measures hinder their ability to achieve sustainable development.
