Also known as: MIRT
Government ministry responsible for Namibia's international relations and trade affairs, advocating for regional integration and de-escalation in Middle East tensions.
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The Namibian
Ministry of International Relations and Trade has not received reports of Namibian nationals being affected by unrest in South Africa
“Ministry of International Relations and Trade executive director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati says the ministry has not received reports of Namibian nationals being affected by the unrest in South Africa.”
Namibia urges vigilance amid SA xenophobic attacksThe Namibian
Ministry of International Relations and Trade continues to monitor and has advised citizens to contact High Commission in Pretoria or Consulate-General in Cape Town
“However, Nghipondoka-Robiati says the ministry continues to monitor the situation and has advised citizens requiring assistance to contact the High Commission of the Republic of Namibia in Pretoria or the Consulate-General of the Republic of Namibia in Cape Town.”
Namibia urges vigilance amid SA xenophobic attacksThe Namibian
Ministry of International Relations and Trade confirmed it is aware of report regarding changes to US consular operations in African countries including Namibia
“The Ministry of International Relations and Trade has confirmed to The Namibian that it is aware of the report.”
Namibians may face new US visa processInformanté
Ministry of International Relations and Trade is participating in the 3rd Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo and Business Summit in Swakopmund
“THE Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT), together with its agencies, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF), is participating in the 3rd Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo and Business Summit currently underway in Swakopmund.”
Namibia promotes industrial growth through AfCFTAInformanté
Ministry of International Relations and Trade hosted the Namibia–Shandong Business Forum in Windhoek
“Hosted by Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade, with support from the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, the forum focused on sectors such as energy, mining and mineral beneficiation, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and agro-processing.”
Namibia to host China trade mission and export webinar ahead of presidential visitInformanté
Ministry of International Relations and Trade is hosting Second Namibia–EU Business Forum in Windhoek from 11-13 May 2026
“THE Second Namibia–European Union (EU) Business Forum is set to take place in Windhoek from 11 to 13 May 2026.”
Upcoming Namibia–EU Business Forum to spotlight investment and trade opportunitiesInformanté
Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced the upcoming Official Visit to Namibia by Mauro Vieira from 30 to 31 March 2026
“The Ministry of International Relations and Trade is pleased to announce the upcoming Official Visit to Namibia, of His Excellency Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil, from 30 to 31 March 2026.”
Brazil Foreign Minister visits Namibia to strengthen bilateral tiesThe Namibian
Rodney Sikopo, deputy director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade's bilateral department said the dialogue contributed to Namibia's national objectives in sustainable industrialisation, green growth and climate resilience
“He says the dialogue has contributed to Namibia's national objectives in sustainable industrialisation, green growth and climate resilience by fostering practical and collaborative circular economy solutions relevant to the country's development priorities.”
Finland sows circular economy seeds in NamibiaNew Era
Ministry of International Relations and Trade hosted the Namibia-Russia Business Forum
“The forum was hosted by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.”
Namibia, Russia strengthen economic ties …build on political foundation for economic allianceInformanté
Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced Namibia–Russia IGC on Trade and Economic Cooperation will take place in Windhoek from 13 to 16 March 2026
“THE Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Trade and Economic Cooperation will take place in Windhoek from 13 to 16 March 2026.”
Namibia and Russia to hold trade and economic cooperation talks in WindhoekNamibia has urged its citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant and seek consular assistance amid reports of anti-migrant unrest and xenophobic attacks, though the Ministry of International Relations and Trade has not received reports of Namibian nationals being affected.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has urged its citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant and seek consular assistance amid reports of anti-migrant unrest and xenophobic attacks, though the Ministry of International Relations and Trade has not received reports of Namibian nationals being affected.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The US State Department is reportedly cutting visa-issuing consulates and embassies on the African continent, including Namibia's, according to the Associated Press. The closest remaining visa-processing hubs would be South Africa's consulates in Cape Town and Johannesburg, or Angola's Luanda consulate.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade, alongside the NIPDB and NTF, is participating in the 3rd Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo in Swakopmund (28–30 May) to advance continental economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The summit aims to develop practical approaches to the AfCFTA framework while promoting trade, investment, and industrial growth across the continent, with Minister Ashipala-Musavyi highlighting that intra-African trade currently stands at about 16% and calling for deeper regional integration.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia will hold a trade mission and business forums alongside President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's State Visit to China from 6 to 10 July 2026, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, energy, and other strategic sectors. Businesses are invited to register for a NIPDB webinar on exporting to China under its zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries.
31 May 2026 · Informanté →
Deputy judge president Shafimana Ueitele dismissed an application by Namibia Central Intelligence Service director general Bamba Nghipandua to have a defamation case heard in secret, ruling that a clear case showing it is truly necessary must be made before restricting public access to court proceedings on national security grounds.
25 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A cooking oil production plant in Kanyikama village, Kavango West, is pressing mangetti and sunflower seeds into cooking oil. The facility, operated by agriculturalist Winni Metzger, buys mangetti seeds from villagers at N$9 per kilogram and is currently focusing on mangetti oil production due to sunflower seed shortages.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Windhoek High Court dismissed an application by the Namibia Central Intelligence Service to hold a secret hearing in a N$1.8 million defamation lawsuit and to restrict media reporting on court documents. Judge Shafimana Ueitele ruled on 19 May 2026 that citizens have a right to know and press freedom must be upheld, rejecting NCIS Director-General Bamba Nghipandua's claim that disclosure would expose the agency's inner workings.
20 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Cabinet has approved a new Green Industries Council, replacing the Green Hydrogen Council after it ended in February 2025. The council will oversee Namibia's broader green industrialisation agenda, focusing on policy coordination, institutional alignment and investment priorities to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.
11 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Second Namibia–European Union Business Forum will take place in Windhoek from 11 to 13 May 2026, bringing together approximately 400 high-level participants to discuss trade and investment opportunities. The forum will focus on five priority sectors—green hydrogen and renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, cultural and creative industries, and the automotive industry—and will feature presentations of 30 bankable Namibian projects to prospective investors.
24 April 2026 · Informanté →
Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira is in Namibia for a two-day official visit from 30–31 March 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations. Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade will discuss naval cooperation, trade and investment, support for a food systems project with the UN World Food Programme, and global issues including multilateral reform.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia and Malaysia's bilateral trade stands at approximately N$1.7 billion, reflecting continued economic growth between the two countries. The Malaysian High Commission highlighted this at an Experience Malaysia event in Windhoek, which also promoted visa-free travel for Namibians and cultural exchange to strengthen diplomatic ties.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Miss Universe 1992 contestants, including Michelle McLean, concluded a reunion tour in Namibia with a visit to Michelle McLean Primary School in Otjomuise, celebrating education and youth empowerment initiatives. The event brought together 14 international titleholders to support efforts aimed at uplifting underprivileged youth through the Michelle McLean Children Trust.
26 March 2026 · Informanté →
Brazilian oil company Petrobras said it holds no current Namibian assets following a courtesy visit to government officials, though it and TotalEnergies are bidders for a 42.5% stake each in a petroleum exploration licence in the Lüderitz Basin, pending regulatory approval.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Finland and Namibia have partnered to strengthen the local circular economy, focusing on resource efficiency and sustainable growth across mining, energy and agricultural sectors. Namibia became the first African country to host a dialogue under the World Circular Economy Forum, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and private sector representatives to develop practical circular economy solutions.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and Russia have convened the 11th Session of their Intergovernmental Commission in Windhoek, with senior officials reviewing progress on bilateral cooperation across trade, mining, energy, agriculture, and other sectors ahead of a ministerial meeting.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia and Russia held a business forum to strengthen economic cooperation and create trade and investment opportunities, with discussions focused on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and technology. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi noted that while political relations are strong, trade has remained limited, with Namibia exporting US$13 million and importing US$39.5 million from Russia in 2024.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation will convene in Windhoek from 13 to 16 March 2026, focusing on bilateral cooperation in mining, education, health, transport, trade, investment, agriculture, and waste management. A parallel Business Forum with over 300 representatives will discuss logistics, industrialisation, technology transfer, and value chain development.
12 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade announced that an Intergovernmental Commission and Business Forum with Russia will be held in Windhoek on 16–17 March 2026, focusing on Russian expertise in geological exploration, agriculture, and energy infrastructure to support local value-addition in Namibia's mineral sector. The minister also outlined Namibia's broader diplomatic engagement with countries including South Africa, Angola, Brazil, Cuba, and Venezuela, as well as efforts to strengthen regional trade cooperation.
7 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's ambassador to Egypt says more than 100 Namibians are in the Middle East as the Iran-US-Israel conflict intensifies, and the embassy is facilitating voluntary evacuation efforts while prioritizing citizen safety. Some evacuees have criticised the Namibian consulate in Dubai for lack of communication and assistance during the crisis.
6 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia and condemned the US-backed Israeli military operation against Iran. Namibia's government also issued a statement expressing grave concern about the escalation in the Middle East, citing risks to international peace and security.
5 March 2026 · New Era →
The director general of Namibia's intelligence service has requested that a N$1.8-million defamation case against him be heard in camera to protect classified information, but lawyers and human rights experts argue that holding the trial in secret would undermine public accountability and enable officials to hide misconduct under the guise of national security.
5 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Alma Kahorere, a primary school teacher in Gobabis, founded Ehupo Mu Eden Farming Enterprises CC in 2020 as a backyard garden and has expanded it to nearly three hectares, employing seven people and supplying fresh produce to local retailers including SPAR and Megasave. The farm supports about 20 dependents and has become an important income source alongside her teaching salary, though she faces challenges with cash flow, input costs, unpredictable weather, and access to affordable finance.
4 March 2026 · New Era →
An unspecified number of Namibians are stranded at Dubai International Airport following airspace closure due to escalating conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, with at least 80 Namibians known to be working in Dubai. Analysts warn Namibia could face rising fuel, food, and import prices if tensions continue, with broader economic impacts expected within weeks as disruptions to global oil supply and shipping lanes drive up costs.
4 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and Germany have launched TalentsBridge Namibia, a skills training programme designed to address Namibia's 36.9% unemployment rate and Germany's shortage of skilled workers. The project will offer training in industrial electrics, wholesale and retail, and hospitality, with the first 100 trainees starting vocational courses in September 2026.
3 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade has issued a statement calling for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East following military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, warning that the escalation risks further destabilising the region and undermining international peace and security. The ministry urged all parties to exercise restraint, cease hostilities, and return to dialogue and diplomatic engagement, emphasising that such tensions threaten global security and small developing states that depend on respect for international norms.
3 March 2026 · The Namibian →
TalentsBridge Namibia, a partnership between Namibia and Germany, was officially launched to address youth unemployment in Namibia and skilled worker shortages in Germany through structured vocational training. The initiative will prepare young Namibians for employment in sectors including Industrial Electrics, Wholesale and Retail, and Hospitality, with applications now open and 100 participants selected in the first year.
3 March 2026 · Informanté →
The finance ministry plans to reduce subsidies and capital transfers to state-owned enterprises from N$1.3 billion in 2025/26 to N$615.7 million in 2026/27, citing fiscal consolidation and high public debt. Several SOEs including TransNamib and the Agricultural Bank of Namibia will receive no government transfers, while priority support goes to the National Housing Enterprise and Road Fund Administration.
3 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The director general of Namibia's Central Intelligence Service is asking the High Court to order that a defamation case brought against him by a government official be heard in secret, citing national security concerns about vetting processes. The plaintiff opposes the closure request, arguing that constitutional guarantees of public hearings and transparency in state institutions must be upheld.
1 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
The Roads Authority has resumed accepting vehicle registration applications from Hong Kong imports after a temporary suspension, while implementing enhanced verification measures to prevent fraud involving falsified manufacturing dates. Minister Nekundi said investigations are ongoing to determine how many vehicles were registered with altered dates, and that law enforcement will hold those responsible accountable while protecting innocent buyers.
26 February 2026 · New Era →