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

Ministry of International Relations and Trade

Also known as: MIRT

Namibian government ministry overseeing international diplomacy, trade agreements, and bilateral relations across Africa and globally.

2026-01-052026-07-23
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What’s been said

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

  1. March 2026

  2. Informanté

    Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced the upcoming Official Visit to Namibia by Mauro Vieira from 30 to 31 March 2026

    Source

    “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 ties

  3. The 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

    Source

    “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 Namibia

  4. New Era

    Ministry of International Relations and Trade hosted the Namibia-Russia Business Forum

    Source

    “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 alliance

  5. Informanté

    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

    Source

    “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 Windhoek

  6. The Namibian

    Ministry of International Relations and Trade could not be reached for comment on intentions regarding citizens in the region

    Source

    “The Ministry of International Relations and Trade could not be reached for comment on what it intends to do with its citizens in the region.”

    Middle East conflict prompts voluntary evacuation of over 100 Namibians, ambassador confirms

  7. New Era

    Ministry of International Relations and Trade condemned US-Israeli military strikes as serious escalation

    Source

    “In a media statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said it notes "with grave concern" the recent escalation of tension in and around the Middle East.”

    Swapo SG meets top Iranian diplomats

  8. New Era

    Ministry of International Relations and Trade provided grants and support to Alma Kahorere's farm business

    Source

    “She has received grants and support from the Ministry of International Relations and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, which she said gave her business a strong boost.”

    SMEs' spotlight with Pricilla Mukokobi –  Kahorere grows food, hope in Gobabis

  9. The Namibian

    Ministry of International Relations and Trade says impact will be felt within two to three months

    Source

    “However, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade says the impact will only be felt within two to three months, noting that any escalation involving the three countries would likely push up global oil prices and shipping insurance costs.”

    Stranded in Dubai: Namibians caught in escalating Iran–US conflict

  10. New Era

    Ministry of International Relations and Trade supports TalentsBridge Namibia project

    Source

    “The project is supported by key institutions, including the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts & Culture, and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).”

    Namibia, Germany launch TalentsBridge

  11. The Namibian

    Ministry of International Relations and Trade called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East

    Source

    “In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said it has noted with grave concern the escalation of tensions resulting from the military actions carried out on Saturday.”

    Namibia calls for urgent de-escalation after deadly Middle East strikes
Business

Namibia invites businesses to Turkish trade mission in Windhoek

The News

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board has invited Namibian businesses and companies with investment-ready projects to participate in an upcoming Namibia–Türkiye Trade Mission aimed at strengthening trade and investment links. The mission will bring together local companies and Turkish trade and investment delegates for business-to-business and business-to-government engagements in renewable energy, textiles, fisheries, infrastructure, education, water purification, automotive, and tourism sectors.

21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Namibia invites businesses to Turkish trade mission in Windhoek

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board has invited Namibian businesses and companies with investment-ready projects to participate in an upcoming Namibia–Türkiye Trade Mission aimed at strengthening trade and investment links. The mission will bring together local companies and Turkish trade and investment delegates for business-to-business and business-to-government engagements in renewable energy, textiles, fisheries, infrastructure, education, water purification, automotive, and tourism sectors.

    21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Namibia hosts trade mission with Turkish investors and businesses

    The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board has invited Namibian businesses with investment-ready projects to participate in a Namibia–Türkiye Trade Mission in Windhoek, coordinated with Turkish trade and investment delegations for B2B and B2G engagements across renewable energy, textiles, fisheries, infrastructure, education, water purification, automotive, and tourism sectors.

    21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 16 July

  1. President appoints Hoëbes as High Commissioner to Malaysia

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed Christine ||Hoëbes as Namibia's new High Commissioner to Malaysia, directing her to pursue economic diplomacy focused on technology transfer, investment, and new markets for Namibian products, leveraging Malaysia's digital innovation strength.

    16 July 2026 · New Era →

  2. President pledges nationwide sports infrastructure investment across regions

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to accelerate government investment in sports infrastructure across all 14 regions and handed the national flag to Team Namibia ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The government has identified 28 sites for construction and upgrading of sports facilities as part of elevating sport to a top development priority.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Nandi-Ndaitwah, Ramaphosa to co-chair bilateral summit July 2026

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will co-chair the Fourth Session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria on 17 July 2026, with discussions focused on trade, investment, infrastructure, energy and regional cooperation. The BNC serves as the highest permanent bilateral cooperation mechanism between the two countries, supported by more than 150 agreements covering political, diplomatic, economic, social, defence and security cooperation.

    16 July 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 15 July

  1. President commissions Christine //Hoebes as High Commissioner to Malaysia

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has commissioned Christine //Hoebes as Namibia's High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, tasking her with strengthening bilateral relations, promoting economic diplomacy and advancing Namibia's development priorities. The President highlighted opportunities for further cooperation in renewable energy, oil and gas services, logistics, ports development, green industrialisation and tourism.

    15 July 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 12 July

  1. Namibian delegation begins mission to repatriate Robben Island prisoners' remains

    A Namibian delegation has begun a five-day mission to South Africa to arrange the exhumation and repatriation of two former Robben Island prisoners buried in Cape Town. The delegation, which includes traditional authorities, former prisoners, family members, and government officials, is meeting South African counterparts to discuss legal, cultural, technical and logistical arrangements.

    12 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Former Namibian honorary consul to Serbia Boskovic dies

    Vasilije Boskovic, who served as Namibia's honorary consul to Serbia from 2002 to 2024, has died aged 85. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade credited him with strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries and helping establish the Engineering Council of Namibia, with a relationship spanning over 60 years.

    8 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 1 July

  1. More than 100 Namibians seek repatriation from South Africa

    More than 100 Namibians living in South Africa are voluntarily seeking repatriation to Namibia amid rising xenophobic tensions; Namibian authorities are arranging repatriation and verification processes following reports of attacks on foreign nationals.

    1 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 14 June

  1. Bus hijacked in Johannesburg, Namibians stranded, IPC criticizes government

    A Namibian-registered bus was hijacked in Johannesburg on 9 June, leaving passengers stranded; the Independent Patriots for Change accused the government and High Commission in Pretoria of failing to provide meaningful assistance to the operator and passengers, some of whom had to pay for their own accommodation.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Namibia urges citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant

    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 →

  2. Namibians may travel to South Africa for US visas

    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 →

Sunday 31 May

  1. Namibia promotes industrial growth through AfCFTA integration

    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 →

  2. Namibia to host China trade forums ahead of presidential visit

    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 →

Monday 25 May

  1. High Court rejects secret trial request for NCIS director

    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 →

Thursday 21 May

  1. Cooking oil production from mangetti seeds starts in Kavango West

    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 →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. High Court dismisses NCIS bid for secret hearing in defamation case

    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 →

Monday 11 May

  1. Cabinet establishes Green Industries Council to replace hydrogen-focused body

    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 →

Friday 24 April

  1. Second Namibia–EU Business Forum planned for May 2026

    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 →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Brazil's Foreign Minister visits Namibia to strengthen ties

    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 →

  2. Namibia and Malaysia trade at N$1.7 billion annually

    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 →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Former Miss Universe contestants visit Namibian school for youth support

    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 →

Saturday 21 March

  1. Petrobras holds no current Namibian assets despite exploration deal

    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 →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Finland partners with Namibia to strengthen circular economy

    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 →

Monday 16 March

  1. Namibia and Russia hold 11th bilateral commission session

    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 →

  2. Namibia and Russia seek to deepen economic cooperation ties

    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 →

Thursday 12 March

  1. Namibia and Russia to hold trade and economic talks

    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 →

Saturday 7 March

  1. Namibia to hold bilateral forum with Russia on minerals, energy

    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 →

Friday 6 March

  1. Namibian embassy confirms evacuation of 100+ citizens from Middle East

    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 →

Thursday 5 March

  1. Swapo condemns US-Israeli strikes, Namibia expresses grave concern

    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 →

Ministry of International Relations and Trade — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute