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
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi — Minister of International Relations and Trade, promoting Namibian exports and foreign investment across China, Poland, Congo, and other markets.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Informanté
Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted skewed trade relationship between Namibia and Russia
“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.”
Namibia seeks to expand exports to Russia following imbalanced trade relationsThe Namibian
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi praised Ghana's democratic achievements and called for closer collaboration between African countries
“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.”
Namibia and Ghana urged to deepen trade and cooperationThe Namibian
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted the importance of expanding economic cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area
“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.”
Namibia and Ghana urged to deepen trade and cooperationNew Era
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said attacks on Iran constitute a blatant violation of international law and United Nations Charter
“"The attacks on Iran constitute a blatant violation of international law and a clear violation of the United Nations Charter," the minister said.”
Namibia navigates uncharted diplomatic waters … decries wanton disregard of international lawNew Era
Ashipala-Musavyi said tariffs imposed by the Trump regime are an extension of geopolitical strategy for resource access
“"The tariffs imposed by the Trump regime are an extension of a geopolitical strategy that essentially boils down to resource access," she said.”
Namibia navigates uncharted diplomatic waters … decries wanton disregard of international lawInformanté
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi will co-chair the Namibia–Russia IGC ministerial meeting on 16 March
“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.”
Namibia and Russia to hold trade and economic cooperation talks in WindhoekNew Era
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi warned that the new tariffs risk undoing years of progress under AGOA
“Ashipala-Musavyi warned that the new tariffs risk undoing years of progress that African economies have made under the program.”
AGOA showdown looms … as Namibia challenges Trump’s tariffsInformanté
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said China will offer duty-free access to Namibian products from May 1, 2026
“"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 soonInformanté
Ashipala-Musavyi confirmed AGOA has been reauthorized through December 31, 2026
“"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 soonInformanté
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi announced Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission and Business Forum scheduled for 16-17 March 2026
“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 energyThe Minister of International Relations called on the Republic of the Congo to increase investment and strengthen economic cooperation, highlighting agricultural and agro-processing value chains, particularly Namibian beef, as key areas for expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
26 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Minister of International Relations called on the Republic of the Congo to increase investment and strengthen economic cooperation, highlighting agricultural and agro-processing value chains, particularly Namibian beef, as key areas for expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
26 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia and the Republic of Congo have signed two memoranda of understanding on cooperation in health and culture and the arts during inaugural political and diplomatic consultations in Brazzaville, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and unlocking economic opportunities for their citizens.
22 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Cabinet has approved a new national policy to regulate prospecting and mining in protected areas and other environmentally sensitive zones, balancing mineral development with environmental conservation. Namibia has also been authorised to sign the statute of the African Mineral Development Centre, enabling participation in the African Union agency dedicated to sustainable mineral development.
31 July 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Namibia exported meat worth N$1.43 billion during the first five months of 2026, reflecting strength in the country's agricultural export sector. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi reported that ores, slag and ash led exports at 29.6%, followed by precious stones and metals at 26.1% and fish and crustaceans at 14.3%, while lower imports and stronger export growth improved Namibia's trade balance.
24 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 →