Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Selma Ashipala-Musavyi

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.

2025-11-162026-06-08
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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

    Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said China will offer duty-free access to Namibian products from May 1, 2026

    Source

    “"China will offer "Pre-Early Harvest" arrangement with 53 African States, including Namibia, granting 100% duty-free access to our products. This is the bridge to the comprehensive China-Africa Economic Partnership (CADEPA) that Namibia is still considering. This is a massive opportunity for our Small and Medium Enterprises," the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, said while speaking at a recent media briefing.”

    Namibian exports to benefit from duty-free access to China soon

  3. Informanté

    Ashipala-Musavyi confirmed AGOA has been reauthorized through December 31, 2026

    Source

    “"Our relationship with the United States remains part of our export strategy. I can confirm that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been officially reauthorized through 31 December 2026.”

    Namibian exports to benefit from duty-free access to China soon

  4. Informanté

    Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi announced Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission and Business Forum scheduled for 16-17 March 2026

    Source

    “The announcement was made by Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, during a recent media briefing.”

    Namibia seeks Russian expertise to strengthen local value‑addition in minerals and energy
  5. February 2026

  6. Informanté

    Selma Ashipala-Musavyi noted that findings underscore realistic and attainable routes for Namibia to move beyond an extractive economic model

    Source

    “Ashipala-Musavyi noted that the findings underscore the existence of realistic and attainable routes for Namibia to move beyond an extractive economic model.”

    Namibia launches value addition and diversification report to chart path to sustainable industrialisation

  7. Informanté

    Selma Ashipala-Musavyi will co-chair the Ministerial Session of the Namibia-Congo JPCC

    Source

    “The Senior Officials Meeting will be followed by the Ministerial Session of the Namibia-Congo JPCC on Friday, 20 February 2026, co-chaired by Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade, and Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso, Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships of the Republic of the Congo.”

    Namibia and Congo prepare to strengthen cooperation at Namibia-Congo JPCC

  8. New Era

    Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia can move beyond exporting raw materials based on the report findings

    Source

    “Launching the report in Windhoek yesterday, Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the findings show that Namibia can move beyond exporting raw materials.”

    UN maps Nam’s industrial path

  9. New Era

    Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi proposed the creation of a joint economic commission between Namibia and the UAE

    Source

    “To strengthen cooperation, Ashipala-Musavyi proposed the creation of a joint economic commission between Namibia and the UAE.”

    UAE, Nam boost trade, investment ties

  10. Informanté

    Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi encouraged the United Arab Emirates to invest in Namibia's diamond cutting and polishing industry

    Source

    “THE Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipla-Musavyi, has encouraged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to consider investing in Namibia's diamond cutting and polishing industry.”

    Ashipla-Musavyi invites UAE to invest in Namibia’s diamond industry

  11. The Namibian

    Selma Ashipala-Musavyi allegedly sent a text message to her Ghanaian counterpart seeking the commissioning of Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata as Namibia's high commissioner designate to Ghana

    Source

    “The minister allegedly sent a text message to her Ghanaian counterpart seeking the commissioning of Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata as Namibia's high commissioner designate to Ghana.”

    Social Media Should Complement Government Communication, Not Replace It!

  12. Informanté

    Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is participating in 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council

    Source

    “Meanwhile, the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, is participating in the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council from 11 to 12 February 2026 in Addis Ababa, ahead of the leaders' summit.”

    President to attend African Union summit
Business

Namibian business urged to use African free trade area

The News

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.

6 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 6 June

  1. Namibian business urged to use African free trade area

    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.

    6 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 →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Swakopmund to host Africa trade conference and expo

    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.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 14 May

  1. Namibia reiterates call for UN Security Council reform

    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.

    14 May 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Namibia pushes for permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa

    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.

    13 May 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 2 May

  1. Minister commits to enabling Namibian trade expansion globally

    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.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 26 April

  1. Namibia seeks deeper trade and investment ties with Malaysia

    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.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Namibia and China pledge cooperation on energy, mining, agriculture

    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.

    21 April 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 20 April

  1. Namibia gains duty-free access to Chinese market from May 2026

    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.

    20 April 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 18 April

  1. China pledges support for Namibian industrialisation and value addition

    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.

    18 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Namibia urges Chinese investors to process minerals locally

    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.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia seeks Chinese partnership for resource value addition

    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.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Parliament scrutinizes diplomats' allowances and foreign mission costs

    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.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Namibia prioritizes economic diplomacy with N$952m to foreign missions

    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.

    2 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia invites Brazil to invest in manufacturing and energy

    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.

    2 April 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Brazil and Namibia expand oil, trade, and food cooperation

    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.

    1 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia and Brazil explore manufacturing and energy partnerships

    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.

    1 April 2026 · The Namibian →

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 →

Monday 30 March

  1. Namibia pushes agricultural reform at WTO trade conference

    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.

    30 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Namibia and Russia conclude trade and economic cooperation session

    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.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia and Russia open 11th trade cooperation session

    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.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. At least 91 MPs declare assets and business interests

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Swapo deputy SG denies Russian funding allegations, will not sue

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 March

  1. Namibia Breweries donates Windhoek Lager for Independence Day diplomacy

    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.

    20 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 18 March

  1. Namibia and Russia seek deeper private sector business ties

    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.

    18 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. President reaffirms Namibia-Russia cooperation with visiting delegation

    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.

    18 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Namibia and Russia strengthen economic ties amid global uncertainty

    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.

    17 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia-Russia forum explores fertiliser plant and cooperation areas

    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.

    17 March 2026 · Informanté →

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 →

Selma Ashipala-Musavyi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute