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
Minister of International Relations and Trade promoting Namibian exports, investment, and bilateral trade partnerships with China, Poland, Portugal, and other nations.
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The Namibian
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi attended the Komsomol youth leadership school in Moscow in her youth
“The visit also took me down memory lane, when in my youth I attended the Komsomol youth leadership school in Moscow.”
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi at Namibia–Russia commission in WindhoekThe Namibian
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi declared officially open the eleventh session of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation
“With these remarks, I declare the eleventh session of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Namibia and the Russian Federation officially open.”
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi at Namibia–Russia commission in WindhoekInformanté
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi expressed appreciation to NBL for its continued support of national initiatives
“Ashipala-Musavyi expressed appreciation to NBL for its continued support of national initiatives, particularly in promoting Namibia's presence abroad.”
Windhoek Lager donation to support Independence events abroadInformanté
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi officially received the donation on behalf of the Government
“The donation was officially received by the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who was accompanied by the ministry's Executive Director, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati.”
Windhoek Lager donation to support Independence events abroadNew Era
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the intergovernmental commission session marked a turning point
“Speaking after the meeting, international relations minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, a Namibian official involved in the bilateral talks, said the recent intergovernmental commission session and business forum marked a turning point.”
Nam, Russia solidify business marriageInformanté
Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi provided an update on discussions and resolutions taken during the Commission's 11th Session
“The delegation, led by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev, met the President at State House, where he and Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi provided an update on discussions and resolutions taken during the Commission's 11th Session.”
President receives Russian delegation, reaffirms bilateral cooperationNew Era
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said diplomatic engagement and partnerships between countries are crucial to maintaining stability and promoting development
“Ashipala-Musavyi said diplomatic engagement and partnerships between countries are crucial to maintaining stability and promoting development.”
Ties that bind: Namibia, Russia forge ahead …amid global uncertaintyNew Era
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi co-chaired the 11th session of the Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation
“The session was co-chaired by Ashipala-Musavyi and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev, who is also the presidential envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.”
Ties that bind: Namibia, Russia forge ahead …amid global uncertaintyInformanté
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said fertiliser manufacturing plant was discussed in agricultural breakaway group to support various agricultural green schemes across Namibia
“The establishment of a fertiliser manufacturing plant, as a means of supporting the various agricultural green schemes across the country, was also discussed in the agricultural breakaway group.”
Namibia–Russia Business Forum discusses potential establishment of fertiliser manufacturing plantInformanté
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi urged Russian business community to explore opportunities in agriculture, sport, youth empowerment, education and training, creative industries, healthcare, land, housing and sanitation
“I therefore continue to invite the Russian business community to explore business opportunities in these priority areas”
Namibia–Russia Business Forum discusses potential establishment of fertiliser manufacturing plantNamibia's total trade with South Africa reached N$86 billion in 2025, with imports of N$57.84 billion against exports of N$29.21 billion, reflecting a persistent trade deficit driven by structural industrial gaps, according to the Minister of International Relations and Trade at the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission meeting.
18 July 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's total trade with South Africa reached N$86 billion in 2025, with imports of N$57.84 billion against exports of N$29.21 billion, reflecting a persistent trade deficit driven by structural industrial gaps, according to the Minister of International Relations and Trade at the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission meeting.
18 July 2026 · Informanté →
France's ambassador to Namibia hosted a Bastille Day event at her residence in Windhoek, attended by the minister of international relations and trade. Both nations reaffirmed their long-standing friendship, with Namibia's minister noting France was among the first European countries to recognize Swapo and highlighting shared commitment to economic cooperation and sustainable development.
18 July 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM leader McHenry Venaani has urged President Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her visit to South Africa to push for resolution of the long-standing Orange River boundary dispute with South Africa. Venaani says the dispute has remained unresolved since independence and requires urgent political attention, and that he has tabled a motion in the National Assembly calling for the matter to be debated.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Presidents Nandi-Ndaitwah and Ramaphosa are set to meet in Pretoria to co-chair the Fourth Session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission, with directives expected to strengthen trade, investment, border management, infrastructure and energy cooperation between the two countries. Several new agreements and memoranda of understanding are also expected to be signed.
16 July 2026 · New Era →
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 →
The Minister of International Relations called on Chinese businesses to deepen investment in Namibia, specifically in mineral beneficiation, critical minerals processing, hydrocarbon exploration, renewable energy, and infrastructure development during the Namibia–China Business Forum in Shanghai.
8 July 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has invited Chinese investors to partner with Namibia in mining, agriculture, renewable energy, logistics, and infrastructure, seeking to shift the economy from raw material exports to value addition and industrialisation. Speaking at the Namibia-China Business Forum in Guangzhou, she said Namibia is open for trade and investment and ready to deepen economic and political ties with China.
7 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Jerobeam Kakeke Shaanika has been appointed executive director and accounting officer of the International Relations and Trade ministry, triggering a reshuffle of Namibia's diplomatic missions in Germany, Geneva, and Malaysia. Shaanika will return from his posting as ambassador to Germany, which he took up in November 2025.
7 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi told Chinese businesspeople in Shanghai that Namibia is a safe and stable investment destination offering access to southern African markets, and called for Chinese companies to invest in clean energy technology, battery components, logistical hubs, and downstream processing of minerals rather than extractive mining alone.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →
US Ambassador Randy Berry Giordano reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Namibia at a US Independence Day celebration in Windhoek, noting that the partnership is built on shared values of prosperity, energy security, private investment and development. Giordano said Namibia's success depends not only on its mineral wealth but also on the industries, infrastructure and institutions it builds.
4 July 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia aims to increase exports from N$102 billion to over N$168 billion by 2030 through value addition, foreign direct investment, and industrialisation, International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi told Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski during bilateral talks in the capital on Wednesday.
3 July 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade and Poland's Deputy Prime Minister agreed on 30 June 2026 to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and economic development, with both countries identifying opportunities in green industrialisation, renewable energy, mining, aviation and agriculture.
2 July 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is participating in a high-level international conference in Accra, Ghana, from 17–19 June 2026, aimed at developing practical steps to implement a United Nations resolution on the trafficking and enslavement of Africans. The conference brings together heads of state, ministers, and civil society representatives to advance discussions on reparatory justice, historical recognition, and restitution.
18 June 2026 · Informanté →
The founder of South Africa's March and March organisation, which focuses on illegal immigration, has said Namibians are "law-abiding citizens" and not targets of anti-immigrant sentiment, despite xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. She described Nigerians as the most problematic nationality, saying they enter without documentation and engage in criminal activity.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian government is in constant contact with South African authorities following reports of xenophobic attacks, and a Namibian-operated passenger bus was hijacked in Johannesburg last Tuesday. All 14 passengers from the Mbishi Transport bus have safely returned to Namibia, and the government described the incident as a case of being "in the wrong place at the wrong time," while expressing hope that South Africa will resolve the situation swiftly.
16 June 2026 · The Namibian →
A senior U.S. delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Nick Checker concluded a four-day visit to Namibia from 11–14 June 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, mining and logistics. Discussions with Namibian government officials and business leaders focused on deepening commercial ties and attracting investment in sectors including critical minerals and logistics.
16 June 2026 · Informanté →
Six newly accredited ambassadors and high commissioners from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Denmark and Chad presented their credentials to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and outlined plans for cooperation in sectors including offshore oil and gas, green hydrogen, tourism, education, technology and trade. Minister of International Relations Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the government aims to ensure diplomatic relations bring direct economic benefits.
12 June 2026 · New Era →
Namibian entrepreneurs using the "order with me" business model say xenophobic attacks in South Africa are disrupting their livelihoods and forcing some to stop travelling there for supplies. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare will meet with informal traders tomorrow to discuss customs duties, taxation and regulatory challenges.
12 June 2026 · New Era →
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia's relationship with Portugal still has significant potential for expansion, particularly in trade and investment, though the countries have developed cultural and trading ties. She noted that while trade volumes are improving, they have not yet matched the scale of ambition or depth of friendship between the two nations.
11 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →