Also known as: MIRT
Ministry of International Relations and Trade — Namibian government ministry facilitating trade, investment, and bilateral relations; led by Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.
News reports
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Informanté
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 WindhoekThe Namibian
Ministry of International Relations and Trade could not be reached for comment on intentions regarding citizens in the region
“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 confirmsNew Era
Ministry of International Relations and Trade condemned US-Israeli military strikes as serious escalation
“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 diplomatsNew Era
Ministry of International Relations and Trade provided grants and support to Alma Kahorere's farm business
“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 GobabisThe Namibian
Ministry of International Relations and Trade says impact will be felt within two to three months
“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 conflictNew Era
Ministry of International Relations and Trade supports TalentsBridge Namibia project
“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 TalentsBridgeNamibia and Angola held their first Bi-National Commission in Luanda to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, transport, agriculture and development. The commission aims to deepen bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation and identify ways to advance shared priorities including cross-border trade and regional investment.
16 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and Angola held their first Bi-National Commission in Luanda to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, transport, agriculture and development. The commission aims to deepen bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation and identify ways to advance shared priorities including cross-border trade and regional investment.
16 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board have launched an Exporters' Guide to help local businesses, particularly MSMEs, access regional, continental and international markets by providing practical information on export procedures, regulations, logistics, financing and digital trading platforms. The government aims to increase the share of manufactured goods in total exports from 42% to 60% by 2029, and raise agro-processing's contribution to GDP from 7.5% to 10%.
12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's ministry of international relations and trade, the NIPDB and chamber of commerce have invited Namibian companies to a business forum on 17 October 2026 in Luanda, aimed at strengthening economic ties, expanding trade, and establishing investment partnerships. The delegation, led by International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, will focus on priority sectors including agriculture, oil and gas, mining, finance, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
About 72 Namibians repatriated from South Africa in August and September have not received promised government support for reintegration, facing unemployment, documentation problems, and financial hardship after being dropped at family homes with no further assistance.
11 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Office of the Prime Minister is moving to unlock N$15 billion in investments delayed by land, environmental, visa and regulatory obstacles. Twenty-seven projects have created 6,600 jobs over three years, while 94 projects in the pipeline could create about 22,000 additional jobs, but 15 projects face specific bottlenecks.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade notes that Namibia's domestic market of approximately 3.2 million people is too small to sustain economic expansion; the country must compete internationally and integrate producers into regional and global value chains. Namibia's export basket remains heavily concentrated in primary commodities including uranium, gold, fish, diamonds and beef.
3 October 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati as Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Geneva, charging her to advance and protect Namibia's national interests.
2 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced that 28 projects with N$66.85 billion in collective investment have created 9,343 permanent jobs. The update follows a presidential pledge to create 500,000 jobs over five years through private and public sector efforts.
29 September 2026 · Informanté →
The ministry of international relations and trade claims investment projects linked to its initiatives created 9,343 permanent jobs across 28 projects attracting N$66.85 billion, but opposition shadow minister Rodney Cloete argues only 951 permanent jobs were actually recorded.
29 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade reported facilitating 28 portfolio projects that attracted N$66.85 billion in investment and created 9 343 permanent jobs, but the figures faced parliamentary opposition questioning over data accuracy and timeline verifiability. Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the ministry's role is to facilitate job creation through trade and investment, with projects spanning agriculture, mining, renewable energy, tourism, real estate, chemicals and digital services.
28 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Former political prisoners and parliamentarians have criticised the government's decision to bury liberation struggle veteran Helao Shityuwete at Pionierspark, arguing that his 18 years on Robben Island and his role in the liberation struggle warranted burial at Heroes' Acre instead.
13 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade confirmed receiving communication from the United States regarding the country's position on the International Criminal Court, amid reports that the US is seeking to persuade African countries to withdraw from the ICC. The ministry reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to the Rome Statute and said differences relating to the ICC are best addressed through established legal, diplomatic and multilateral channels, without disclosing the contents of the US communication.
8 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The United States is phasing out HIV funding to Namibia, leaving over 29,000 Namibians facing loss of critical support services. The US will transition from financial assistance to technical cooperation, providing US$45 million for Namibia's HIV response in 2027/28, but advocacy groups warn the reduction will have a "huge impact" on treatment programmes and people living with HIV who depend on donor funding.
7 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has launched a new employment permit valid for up to five years, effective immediately, to make Namibia more attractive to investors and improve the investment climate by reducing administrative barriers.
5 September 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia and the United States announced a planned, phased reduction of US financial assistance for Namibia's HIV-AIDS response, with US support to transition over the next year from financial assistance to a technical cooperation model. This follows Namibia's achievement of HIV-AIDS epidemic control and surpassing of global targets, including reaching 96-98-98 and exceeding the UNAIDS 95-95-95 fast-track targets.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's government reaffirmed its support for lifting the US embargo on Cuba but clarified that N$700 000 raised by Namibia-Cuba solidarity groups is a private initiative, not a government contribution. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade encouraged citizens to support the fundraising campaign while maintaining Namibia's advocacy for Cuba on bilateral, regional and multilateral platforms.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
An analysis argues that despite decades of political talk about beneficiation, value addition, and manufacturing, Namibia remains dependent on primary commodities and has failed to assemble scattered industrial activity into a coherent industrial economy, requiring instead a reimagined industrial policy linking resources, finance, energy, trade, procurement, skills and markets.
28 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Minister Sanet Steenkamp apologised for delays in returning Namibian ancestral and mortal remains from South Africa, citing circumstances beyond the ministry's control that affected flight arrangements. Namibia received the remains of two former political prisoners and the ancestral remains of 84 people, along with casts and cultural heritage materials.
21 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's participation in the 2025 UN General Assembly generated several investment opportunities including a proposed Windhoek convention centre and energy and water projects, though a uranium-processing plant was eventually cancelled due to government approval delays. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's September visit to the United States included a major business component, with a business delegation of 35 delegates from 26 organisations representing sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, mining, and tourism.
18 August 2026 · New Era →
Namibia and other SACU member states have signed Terms of Reference for formal negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement with India, establishing a framework to expand trade and investment opportunities. India's Commerce Minister said the agreement could support the region through medicine supply, IT skills development, and integration into global supply chains across sectors including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture.
14 August 2026 · Informanté →
Following the fourth India–Namibia Joint Trade Committee session in New Delhi, the two countries agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation, focusing on value addition, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, services and digitalisation. Bilateral merchandise trade reached US$592.94 million in 2025/26, and the countries committed to strengthening cooperation on lithium, graphite, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements.
14 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade has confirmed that Namibian citizen Nguvi Mberirua, reported missing in London after a video of her appearing disoriented on a London underground train went viral, has been found and is in contact with her family. The ministry declined to disclose further details regarding her circumstances, citing privacy and welfare considerations.
13 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade confirmed that no Namibian national is currently reported killed or injured in Monday's bus crash in Angola's Cuanza Sul province that claimed 22 lives. The Namibian embassy in Luanda contacted the transport company and found no confirmed Namibian passengers, though unconfirmed reports had surfaced of several Namibians on board.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The family of Namibian Nguvi Mberirua, who went viral on TikTok after appearing disoriented on a London metro train, says they are hoping for her safe return as efforts to locate her continue. The Namibian Ministry of International Relations and Trade is working to establish her last known location and assist her.
3 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Meat Corporation of Namibia fully used its 2026 Norwegian beef export quota by the end of June and secured an additional 344,766kg through a government-to-government arrangement with Botswana under the Sacu-Efta quota-sharing framework, expected to generate approximately N$100 million. Combined with the original allocation's estimated N$265 million, Meatco's Norwegian beef exports for 2026 are valued at approximately N$365 million.
30 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Ambassador Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus has been appointed Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, effective 25 July 2026, becoming the second most senior official at the international body responsible for implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention across 193 member states.
28 July 2026 · New Era →
Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus, a former ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, has been appointed deputy director-general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the second most senior position in the international body.
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's ministry of international relations and trade has appointed ambassador Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus as deputy director-general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, assuming office on 25 July 2026. Kaapanda-Girnus, who brings more than seventeen years of diplomacy experience and previously served as Namibia's ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, becomes the second most senior official of the OPCW.
27 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government is progressing on a draft international trade management bill to establish an International Trade Management Commission that will oversee trade remedies, tariff investigations, and import-export controls. A separate investment promotion and facilitation bill, which completed public consultations between December 2025 and January 2026, is being prepared for parliament to create a more transparent investment process.
25 July 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →