Allexer Namundjembo
Education, health, and technology have emerged as top priorities for returning appointed ambassadors.
On Thursday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced a recycle of diplomats who will head missions around the world.
The appointments include Tonata Gebhard to China, Monica Nashandi to Russia, Wilbard Hellao to the United States of America, Sophia Nangula to Sweden, Jerobeam Shaanika to Germany, Benjamin Kandanga to Finland, and Sabine Böhlke-Möller to France.
Lebbius Tobias was assigned to Cuba, and Sipapela Cletius Sipapela returns to the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Elvis Shiweda will represent Namibia in Switzerland.
Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that only retained ambassadors have received their official designations so far, while newly appointed envoys will be commissioned at a later ceremony.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer at State House, Tobias, who is destined for Cuba, said his focus will be on strengthening bilateral ties and creating opportunities for Namibian students to study in Cuba.
“Namibia needs more medical doctors, and Cuba is known for producing some of the best. One of my focus areas will be ensuring that students are sent to Cuba for training, especially in areas of specialisation. We must not only have many doctors but also more specialists,” he said.
Tobias added that engineering will also be high on his agenda.
“We must take our young people to Cuba to study engineering so they can plough back their knowledge into the country,” he said.
Shaanika said he will build on his predecessor’s work while aligning with the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and the vision of the 8th administration.
“The President has emphasised the importance of exploring markets for Namibian products and connecting youth with opportunities to gain new ideas. With the advancement of technology, we must look at how Namibians can benefit from these developments,” he said.
Shaanika added that he would consult closely with the presidency to identify focus areas and ensure Namibia fully benefits from opportunities in Germany.
Meanwhile, Kandanga said education will be his top priority.
He recalled his experience as high commissioner in Malaysia, where he met Namibian students pursuing master’s degrees in Finland.
“I will do my best to make provisions for scholarships so our young people can study in Finland,” he said. Kandanga also pointed to Finland’s expertise in clean energy. “The Finns are advanced in this field, and I will seek their support in promoting clean energy in Namibia,” he said.
