Also known as: minister of international relations and trade of the Republic of Namibia · international relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi · Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi · Selma Ashipla-Musavyi · Ashipla-Musavyi · Diplomat Selma Ashipala-Musavyi · Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi · Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi
Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade, leading economic diplomacy and trade expansion across African, Asian, and other markets.
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March 2026
Informanté
Selma Ashipala-Musavyiurged Russian business community to explore opportunities inagriculture, sport, youth empowerment, education and training, creative industries, healthcare, land, housing and sanitation
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“I therefore continue to invite the Russian business community to explore business opportunities in these priority areas”
Minister Selma Ashipala-MusavyisaidNamibia and Russia have maintained strong diplomatic relations for many years
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“Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia and Russia have maintained strong diplomatic relations for many years.”
“The Ministerial Session will be co-chaired by Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade, and Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.”
Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyihighlightedskewed trade relationship between Namibia and Russia
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“This skewed trade relationship between Namibia and Russia was recently highlighted by the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, during the Namibia–Russia Business Forum in Windhoek.”
Selma Ashipala-MusavyipraisedGhana's democratic achievements and called for closer collaboration between African countries
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“Speaking at the event, Namibia's minister of international relations and trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who previously served as Namibia's high commissioner to Ghana, praised Ghana's democratic achievements and called for closer collaboration between African countries to unlock the continent's economic potential.”
Selma Ashipala-Musavyihighlightedthe importance of expanding economic cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area
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“The minister further highlighted the importance of expanding economic cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as one of the most transformative initiatives in Africa's modern history.”
Selma Ashipala-Musavyiwill co-chairthe Namibia–Russia IGC ministerial meeting on 16 March
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“The ministerial meeting will be co-chaired by Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, and Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.”
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibian business leaders to familiarise themselves with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to expand trade beyond Namibia's borders. The Invest in Africa Trade Expo and Business Summit, held in Swakopmund from 28 to 30 May, brought together over 200 policymakers, investors, and enterprise delegates to promote intra-African trade and unlock AfCFTA opportunities, amid concerns that Africa currently conducts only 16% of its trade within itself.
Why it matters
President urges businesses to leverage African free trade area; trade expo signals Namibian push to expand intra-continental commerce beyond borders.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibian business leaders to familiarise themselves with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to expand trade beyond Namibia's borders. The Invest in Africa Trade Expo and Business Summit, held in Swakopmund from 28 to 30 May, brought together over 200 policymakers, investors, and enterprise delegates to promote intra-African trade and unlock AfCFTA opportunities, amid concerns that Africa currently conducts only 16% of its trade within itself.
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.
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.
Swakopmund will host the Africa Economic Leadership Council conference and expo from 28 to 30 May to promote domestic investment and intra-African trade opportunities under the theme 'Unpacking the AfCFTA and Access to Markets'. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and African Continental Free Trade Area secretary general Wamkele Mene are expected as guests of honour, with about 100 exhibitors and 200 delegates anticipated.
Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade joined more than 40 African foreign ministers in Nairobi to reaffirm support for UN Security Council reform, including permanent African representation and abolition of the veto power. The minister described Africa's exclusion from permanent membership as a historical injustice.
Namibia's trade and international relations minister, attending a ministerial meeting in Nairobi, reaffirmed Africa's demand for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, together with additional non-permanent seats, as part of the Committee of Ten's push for UN system reform.
The Minister of International Relations and Trade opened the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, committing to strengthen economic diplomacy and market access for Namibian producers and service providers on the continental and global stages.
Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi called for economic cooperation and strategic partnerships with Malaysia, urging Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in green energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, and mineral beneficiation as Namibia transitions to a value-added industrial hub.
Following high-level talks between Namibian Foreign Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in April 2026, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across energy, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, science and technology, education, tourism, infrastructure, and human resource development. Namibia emphasised the importance of adding value to natural resources including critical minerals through local processing, while both sides committed to enhancing cultural and youth exchanges.
Namibia will access 100% duty-free entry into the Chinese market from 1 May 2026 under a "Pre-Early Harvest" arrangement. The government says the zero-tariff measure will boost industrialisation, strengthen export growth, and enhance Walvis Bay's role as a regional trade hub.
China says it will support Namibian economic development and local processing of natural resources including uranium, according to a joint statement issued after a week-long visit by Namibia's trade minister. Namibia aims to shift from exporting raw materials to China towards processing and manufacturing value-added products locally in sectors such as green hydrogen, mining, and oil and gas.
International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has called on Chinese investors to move beyond buying raw materials and instead invest in local industries such as minerals processing, agriculture, and manufacturing to help reduce Namibia's persistent trade deficit and create jobs. The minister noted that Namibia exports minerals including uranium and copper to China while importing manufactured goods, and stressed that adding value to resources locally is critical for closing the trade gap and creating economic benefits.
Minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi called for stronger collaboration with China to add value to Namibia's natural resources and address the country's trade deficit, noting that Namibia exports mostly raw materials like uranium, copper, and fish while importing high-value finished goods. She highlighted Namibia's opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and tourism, and positioned the country as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub supported by Port of Walvis Bay expansion and enhanced border infrastructure.
MPs challenged whether Namibian diplomats overseas claiming car allowances while receiving government vehicles constitute "double-dipping," and questioned the N$113 million spent annually on renting properties for foreign missions. The Trade and International Relations minister defended the practices, stating double-dipping has been addressed, and noted that the government is gradually acquiring properties while focusing on opening additional missions in strategic locations.
Namibia is repositioning its foreign policy to compete in a world where economic strength defines global standing, with 69.5% of the International Relations and Trade Ministry's N$1.37 billion budget allocated to foreign missions. Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi warned of emerging "electro state nations" and called for diplomatic missions to act as economic engines protecting national interests amid global instability and competition over critical minerals and technology.
The Minister of International Relations Selma Ashipala-Musavyi invited the Brazilian private sector to establish manufacturing and processing plants in Namibia to add value to the country's oil, gas, and green hydrogen resources. She also highlighted opportunities for Brazilian investment in agriculture and agri-processing, and noted the strategic advantage of the direct shipping route between Walvis Bay and Santos ports.
Namibia and Brazil held high-level talks to deepen economic cooperation, with Brazil's energy minister confirming Petrobras' return to Namibia to support oil development and pledging support for food security and bilateral trade. Namibia is seeking Brazilian investment in oil and gas, agricultural technology, and value-added manufacturing to boost job creation and economic growth.
Namibia's minister of international relations has urged Brazilian companies to establish manufacturing and processing plants in the country for value addition of local products, highlighting Namibia's oil, gas, and green hydrogen resources. Brazil's foreign minister said Petrobras is returning to Namibia and expressed interest in technical dialogues on food exports, framing oil development as an opportunity to foster economic growth and finance low-carbon transitions.
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.
Namibia has placed food security at the centre of global trade talks at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, calling for urgent reforms to agricultural trade rules and the ability to regulate imports of staple grains to protect farmers and secure food supply. The minister also advocated for fairer global rules on subsidies, stronger protection from export bans, and restoration of the WTO dispute settlement system to protect smaller economies from unfair trade practices.
The 11th session of the Namibia–Russia intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation concluded in Windhoek on 16 March 2026, with both countries agreeing to expand bilateral cooperation in priority sectors including energy, mining, agriculture, and technology, and to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and private sector partnerships.
Minister of International Relations Selma Ashipala-Musavyi welcomed Russian officials to Windhoek for the 11th session of the Namibia–Russia intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, highlighting a new business forum and potential joint ventures in agriculture, fertiliser manufacturing, and mining.
At least 91 parliamentarians have submitted asset and interest declarations as required under parliamentary standing rules, with MPs disclosing shareholdings in telecommunications, banking, and brewing companies, as well as residential and commercial properties across Namibia. Failure to comply with annual declaration requirements constitutes a breach of parliamentary rules and may result in referral to the Committee of Privileges for disciplinary measures including fines or formal reprimands.
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has dismissed allegations published by Forbidden Stories, based on leaked documents linked to Russian intelligence, that he solicited millions of dollars to support Swapo's 2024 election campaign. He said he will not pursue legal action and denied ever requesting external funding for the party.
Namibia Breweries Limited has donated 420 cases of Windhoek Lager, including a non-alcoholic variant, to support Namibia's diplomatic missions during the country's 36th Independence Day celebrations abroad. The Minister of International Relations and Trade said the donation will help showcase Namibian products and enhance the country's image globally.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Russia's deputy prime minister Yury Trutnev, who led a delegation of about 30 Russian companies to explore partnerships in energy, mining, and agriculture. Despite long-standing diplomatic ties, current trade between the two countries is estimated at only about US$17 million, and the intergovernmental commission agreed to establish intermediary structures to facilitate business engagement and expand cooperation into joint ventures and technology transfer.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah met a high-level Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev to reaffirm bilateral relations and discuss outcomes of the 11th Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission session. The President said government remains committed to deepening cooperation in energy, agriculture, defence, education and people-to-people relations, while Trutnev noted the visit includes Russian business representatives expected to open opportunities for expanded economic cooperation.
At the 11th Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Windhoek, both nations discussed deepening economic cooperation, including proposals for a fertiliser manufacturing plant and expanded collaboration in mining, nuclear energy, and fisheries. Trade between the countries grew 56% in 2025 to reach 18.4 billion rubles, though officials said this remains below its full potential.
The Namibia–Russia Business Forum discussed establishing a fertiliser manufacturing plant to support agricultural schemes and reduce food import dependence. The Ministerial Session of the Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission also identified cooperation opportunities in agriculture, sport, education, energy, and other sectors.
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.