Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026
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Namibian press · Person

John Giordano

Also known as: Ambassador Giordano · U.S. Ambassador John Giordano · US ambassador Giordano · Ambassador John Giordano · United States Ambassador to Namibia John Giordano · US ambassador John Giordano · Ambassador to Namibia John Giordano · Randy Berry Giordano

US Ambassador to Namibia promoting partnership in energy, minerals, and maritime security.

2026-01-252026-07-23

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. July 2026
  2. Informanté

    Ambassador Giordano reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Namibia

    Source

    United States Ambassador to Namibia Randy Berry Giordano has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Namibia, saying the partnership is built on shared values of prosperity, energy security, private investment and long-term development.

    US ambassador highlights stronger Namibia-US partnership at Independence Day celebration
  3. Informanté

    Giordano said Namibia's future depends on industries, infrastructure and institutions it builds, not only mineral wealth

    Source

    He said Namibia now stands at a similar point in its development, with its future depending not only on its mineral wealth but also on the industries, infrastructure and institutions it builds.

    US ambassador highlights stronger Namibia-US partnership at Independence Day celebration
  4. June 2026
  5. The Namibian

    US ambassador John Giordano publicly told chief justice that judges should call him about cases

    Source

    Kalola said: "The ambassador publicly told the chief justice that if he or other judges had cases before them, they should pick up a phone and call him so that he could contact people he knows to help them deal with those cases."

    AR questions US ambassador’s remarks to chief justice
  6. Informanté

    Ambassador Giordano described Port of Walvis Bay as strategic hub for regional trade

    Source

    Ambassador Giordano described the Port of Walvis Bay as an increasingly important gateway for regional trade and a strategic hub connecting mineral, energy and agricultural exports to international markets.

    U.S. officials promote trade and investment in Namibia
  7. The Namibian

    Ambassador John Giordano praised Namibia's approach to natural resources as likely to attract serious capital

    Source

    Namibia's approach to its natural resources is likely to attract "serious capital", as it positions itself as a regional energy and logistics hub. Ambassador to Namibia John Giordano made his remarks on Thursday at the United States-Africa investment summit organised by the Critical Minerals Forum in Washington DC.

    US ambassador praises Namibia’s approach to natural resources
  8. Windhoek Observer

    US Ambassador to Namibia John Giordano delivered a keynote address highlighting Namibia's growing importance in the global race to secure critical minerals

    Source

    At the Critical Minerals Forum's US-Africa Investment Summit, the United States Ambassador to Namibia, John Giordano, delivered a keynote address highlighting Namibia's growing importance in the global race to secure critical minerals, energy resources and integrated industrial systems.

    Namibia a key player in supply of critical minerals
  9. Windhoek Observer

    US Ambassador Giordano emphasised that the US is a key partner supporting Namibia's development through cooperation with the US Export-Import Bank, the US International Development Finance Corporation and the US Trade and Development Agency

    Source

    The United States was identified as a key partner in supporting Namibia's development strategy through commercial diplomacy and cooperation with institutions such as the US Export-Import Bank, the US International Development Finance Corporation and the US Trade and Development Agency.

    Namibia a key player in supply of critical minerals
  10. April 2026
  11. Informanté

    US Ambassador John Giordano engaged energy company Halliburton at its coastal operations in Namibia

    Source

    US Ambassador John Giordano has engaged energy company Halliburton at its coastal operations in Namibia, highlighting the critical role of onshore infrastructure in supporting offshore oil and gas activities.

    Namibia’s oil sector gains focus in US envoy visit
  12. Informanté

    Giordano described these operations as the "operational backbone" that ensures projects execute efficiently and at scale

    Source

    Giordano described these operations as the "operational backbone" that ensures projects are executed efficiently and at scale.

    Namibia’s oil sector gains focus in US envoy visit
  13. Informanté

    Giordano emphasised the importance of maintaining open and secure sea lanes to support economic activity and commerce

    Source

    Wikoff highlighted opportunities for closer collaboration in promoting maritime security, while Giordano emphasised the importance of maintaining open and secure sea lanes to support economic activity and commerce.

    Maritime security tops agenda during US naval visit
World & Region

US ambassador emphasises economic and strategic partnership with Namibia

The News

US Ambassador Randy Berry Giordano reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Namibia at a US Independence Day celebration in Windhoek, noting that the partnership is built on shared values of prosperity, energy security, private investment and development. Giordano said Namibia's success depends not only on its mineral wealth but also on the industries, infrastructure and institutions it builds.

4 July 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 4 July

  1. US ambassador emphasises economic and strategic partnership with Namibia

    US Ambassador Randy Berry Giordano reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Namibia at a US Independence Day celebration in Windhoek, noting that the partnership is built on shared values of prosperity, energy security, private investment and development. Giordano said Namibia's success depends not only on its mineral wealth but also on the industries, infrastructure and institutions it builds.

    4 July 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 25 June

  1. AR MP questions US ambassador's judicial interference remarks

    Affirmative Repositioning MP Tuhafeni Kalola is questioning remarks made by US ambassador John Giordano to chief justice Peter Shivute, in which Giordano allegedly told judges they could call him to contact people he knows to help with their cases. Kalola argues the remarks appear to breach Article 78(3) of the Namibian Constitution, which safeguards judicial independence, and has asked the justice minister whether the government has assessed the ambassador's statements and whether they constitute an attempt to interfere with the Judiciary.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 16 June

  1. U.S. delegation visits Namibia to advance trade partnerships

    A senior U.S. delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Nick Checker concluded a four-day visit to Namibia from 11–14 June 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, mining and logistics. Discussions with Namibian government officials and business leaders focused on deepening commercial ties and attracting investment in sectors including critical minerals and logistics.

    16 June 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 9 June

  1. US ambassador praises Namibia's natural resources strategy

    The US Ambassador to Namibia said the country's approach to natural resources—including mineral extraction, processing, value addition, and infrastructure development—positions it to attract serious capital. He told attendees at a US-Africa investment summit that Namibia is one of the countries successfully connecting resources, infrastructure, energy, capital and technology into functioning systems.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia positioned as key global critical minerals supplier

    At the Critical Minerals Forum's US-Africa Investment Summit, the US Ambassador to Namibia highlighted Namibia's growing importance in securing critical minerals and energy resources, noting that economic power increasingly depends on countries' ability to build integrated systems connecting resources, infrastructure, energy, capital and technology into functioning value chains.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 28 April

  1. US ambassador visits Halliburton operations supporting Namibian offshore oil

    US Ambassador John Giordano visited Halliburton's coastal operations in Namibia to highlight the role of onshore infrastructure in supporting offshore oil and gas exploration and production. The ambassador emphasized the importance of local workforce development and skills training alongside advanced technical capability for sustaining long-term energy production.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

  2. US naval commander visits Namibia for maritime security talks

    The Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa visited Namibia to strengthen maritime cooperation with Namibian officials and the U.S. Ambassador, focusing on enhancing shared maritime security interests and safeguarding trade routes across the South Atlantic.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté

Friday 24 April

  1. US naval delegation visits Namibia for maritime talks

    A delegation from US Naval Forces Africa visited Windhoek and Walvis Bay to meet with Namibian government and defence officials, focusing on shared maritime security interests in the South Atlantic.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 18 April

  1. US envoy promotes Namibia as regional energy and minerals hub

    U.S. Ambassador John Giordano highlighted Namibia's strategic role in a proposed Southern African Energy Corridor, emphasizing its potential as an oil and gas producer and leading uranium exporter, while noting that success requires clear regulatory frameworks and strong government-industry alignment. The remarks were made during a high-level engagement at the U.S. Embassy with global energy leaders ahead of the Namibia International Energy Conference.

    18 April 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 16 April

  1. US Ambassador highlights Namibia as southern African energy corridor node

    US Ambassador John Giordano convened government officials and international energy executives at the US Embassy to advance integration of Namibia's energy, minerals and logistics systems into a scalable Southern African corridor. Giordano emphasized Namibia's potential as an oil and gas producer anchored by uranium production and robust infrastructure, while stressing the importance of regulatory clarity and alignment among governments, industry and capital for execution.

    16 April 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 7 April

  1. US to boost investment in energy, critical minerals

    The US Ambassador to Namibia said his country wants to deepen partnership with Namibia by expanding investment in offshore oil and gas, critical mineral exploration, and infrastructure projects, while also strengthening cooperation in civil nuclear energy. Namibian officials attended an international nuclear energy conference in Nairobi with US support, positioning Namibia's uranium sector to expand into the broader nuclear value chain.

    7 April 2026 · New Era

Monday 6 April

  1. US aims to expand investment in Namibia's energy and mining sectors

    US Ambassador John Giordano said the US wants to grow partnership with Namibia by focusing on investment and energy, particularly in offshore oil and gas, critical mineral exploration, and nuclear energy development. US financing institutions are expected to support projects for the southern African energy corridor, with Namibia's position as the world's third-largest uranium producer seen as a key asset for global energy security.

    6 April 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 1 April

  1. U.S. Embassy warns Namibians of severe consequences for visa overstays

    The U.S. Embassy in Windhoek has cautioned Namibian travelers that overstaying a U.S. visa can result in travel bans, visa ineligibility, and criminal charges, stressing that the authorized period of stay is determined by the "Admit Until Date" on the I-94 form, not the visa expiration date. U.S. Ambassador John Giordano emphasized that travelers must comply with immigration rules and that intent does not excuse overstays.

    1 April 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 31 March

  1. US Embassy warns Namibians of visa overstay penalties

    The US Embassy in Namibia has cautioned Namibian travellers that overstaying their US visas can result in travel bans, visa ineligibility, criminal charges, and permanent damage to future travel prospects. The embassy stressed that compliance with the "admit until date" on the I-94 form is mandatory, and that intent does not excuse violations.

    31 March 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 29 March

  1. Walvis Bay port anchors regional energy and logistics network

    The African Forum for Utility Regulators conference in Swakopmund highlighted Namibia's strategic importance in regional energy and logistics, with the U.S. Ambassador emphasizing Walvis Bay's role as a key hub in a developing Southern African energy corridor that connects the region's resources to global markets.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 25 March

  1. US aims to partner with Namibia on energy and minerals

    US Ambassador John Giordano said at the Powering Africa Summit that Namibia's uranium, oil, and gas resources make it central to global energy security, and the US seeks to position itself as a development partner to help strengthen supply chain resilience while positioning American companies early in Namibian projects.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 10 March

  1. U.S. gives Namibia timber forensic detection technology

    The United States has handed over advanced forensic equipment to Namibia's police forensic institute to identify timber species and combat illegal timber trafficking, making Namibia the only African country with this technology. The equipment, part of a broader US$8.7 million U.S. programme launched in 2020, enables law enforcement to verify shipments, detect protected wood, and provide evidence for criminal prosecutions.

    10 March 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 7 March

  1. Minister calls timber trade a crime; forensic centre opens

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu says timber trade is a serious crime undermining lawful commerce and threatening biodiversity, not a regular trading practice. The government has launched a Wood Identification and Screening Centre in Windhoek with US support to detect illegal timber species and prosecute forest crimes using scientific methods.

    7 March 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 6 March

  1. U.S. Ambassador convenes wildlife trafficking task force in Windhoek

    U.S. Ambassador John Giordano brought together Namibian conservation leaders and U.S. officials at a roundtable to strengthen cooperation against wildlife trafficking, focusing on enforcement, prosecution, and regional coordination. The United States has provided more than $8.7 million since 2016 to support Namibia's counter-trafficking efforts, which have yielded increased convictions and reduced poaching rates.

    6 March 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 28 February

  1. Namibia honours Reverend Jesse Jackson's apartheid era support

    Namibia held a memorial service honouring Reverend Jesse Jackson for his support of the country's independence struggle and opposition to apartheid, raising his voice at the United Nations and providing platforms for Namibian leaders to mobilise global support.

    28 February 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 24 February

  1. U.S. Ambassador urges stronger cross-border law enforcement cooperation

    U.S. Ambassador John Giordano stressed the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in combating transnational crime and money laundering at a UNODC workshop in Windhoek. The three-day workshop brings together Namibian and international stakeholders to develop practical guidelines on mutual legal assistance and improve cross-border law enforcement coordination.

    24 February 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 19 February

  1. US Ambassador leads diplomatic push for Namibia's energy and critical minerals

    United States Ambassador John Giordano completed a 10-day mission across Namibia, Washington and Cape Town to mobilise American capital and technology into Namibia's oil, gas and mining industries, framing critical minerals as essential to US energy security in the "AI era". The diplomatic push aims to position US firms to compete in Namibia's offshore energy, uranium and critical minerals sectors while deepening strategic energy partnerships.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  2. U.S. energy officials discuss oil, gas cooperation with Namibia

    Senior U.S. energy officials, including a Department of Energy envoy and a critical minerals advisor, met with Namibian petroleum industry leaders and U.S. energy services companies in Windhoek and Walvis Bay to discuss investment, infrastructure, and strengthened bilateral cooperation in Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector and energy security.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 18 February

  1. US ambassador highlights American companies' job creation in Namibia

    US Ambassador John Giordano says American companies create jobs and contribute to economic growth in Namibia. During a visit to Baker Hughes at Walvis Bay, he spoke with leaders from US energy and oil-gas firms about opportunities in Namibia's emerging sector and strengthening bilateral partnership.

    18 February 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 17 February

  1. US energy officials tour Baker Hughes facility at Walvis Bay

    A US government delegation led by Ambassador John Giordano visited Baker Hughes' integrated facility at Walvis Bay Port to observe Namibia's energy sector development. The company operates major infrastructure including liquid mud and cement facilities that support offshore operations and local employment and training initiatives.

    17 February 2026 · New Era

  2. Namibia seeks value-added trade with US, rejects raw mineral exports

    With heightened US interest in Namibia's uranium, lithium, and oil resources, Namibian trade officials say they will promote mineral beneficiation, downstream processing, and manufacturing partnerships rather than exporting raw materials alone. The government aims to position Namibia as a stable investment partner and regional logistics hub, with US ambassador visiting the Erongo region to assess energy opportunities including the Orange Basin and Port of Walvis Bay.

    17 February 2026 · New Era

Sunday 15 February

  1. U.S. Ambassador explores energy investment opportunities in Walvis Bay

    U.S. Ambassador John Giordano and officials from the Department of Energy toured Walvis Bay to assess Namibia's energy sector and explore opportunities for American investment, expertise, and technology, with a focus on job creation and economic growth in both countries.

    15 February 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 14 February

  1. US ambassador sees Walvis Bay as regional energy trade hub

    The US ambassador to Namibia said Walvis Bay port could become a major gateway for energy and trade in southern Africa, strengthening secure supply chains and reducing dependence on fragile routes. American companies and organizations are ready to support the port's expansion with expertise in port safety and engineering.

    14 February 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 12 February

  1. US Ambassador promotes American investment in Namibian mining

    US Ambassador John Giordano held talks with Namibian officials on expanding the US–Namibia partnership in critical minerals, citing Namibia as a regional leader in sound mining policy and responsible governance. The discussions focused on bringing American technical expertise, innovation and investment to support job creation, industrial development and energy security in the mining sector.

    12 February 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 10 February

  1. Namibia urged to negotiate stronger US resource deals

    Lawmakers have urged the government to negotiate stronger, value-driven deals as the US seeks to position Namibia as a strategic partner for uranium and offshore oil and gas resources. Parliamentarians stress that Namibia must prioritize national interests and negotiate from strength, with some citing Venezuela's institutional collapse as a cautionary lesson.

    10 February 2026 · The Namibian

John Giordano — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute