Renthia Kaimbi
Seven newly appointed ambassadors have been tasked with securing the investments needed to advance the country’s Vision 2030 targets in the remaining four years.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told them on Monday that their deployment is strategic and that their performance will be measured by clear gains in national development.
The envoys are former Ohangwena governor Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya to Nigeria, former presidential press secretary Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari to Belgium, deputy auditor general Goms Menette to Zambia, agriculture ministry executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata to Ghana, former Swakopmund mayor Rosina //Hoabes to Japan, former member of parliament Weich Murcle Uapendura Mupya to Egypt and David Thomas to Zimbabwe.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said all diplomatic work must align with the country’s priorities.
These priorities include agriculture and food security, youth empowerment, education and vocational training, sports and creative industries, health and social welfare and the critical issues of land, housing and sanitation.
She told the diplomats to act as advocates and facilitators who must identify opportunities for cooperation in their host countries.
Their tasks include mobilising investment, promoting market access for Namibian products and supporting exchanges that strengthen skills at home.
“At all times, these key priority areas should serve as your guide,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that the merger of the international relations and trade ministries was designed to place investment promotion and trade at the centre of foreign policy.
She said the new ambassadors are expected to drive this approach by advancing bilateral and multilateral trade relations, concluding outstanding agreements and attracting ‘quality investment’ that contributes to job creation, skills transfer and improved livelihoods.
She reminded them that their reporting from abroad will inform future cooperation and must be thorough and analytical.
She urged them to run their missions with professionalism, integrity and efficient financial management, noting that national economic conditions require strict discipline.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also encouraged the envoys to engage the Namibian diaspora, describing it as a valuable but underused resource.
She said they must build strong links with these communities and draw on their skills and networks to support national development.
Before taking up their posts, all heads of mission must complete an induction course organised by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade.
The course covers the Constitution, the reviewed foreign policy white paper, the sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6) and the operational demands of their roles.
Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the induction at the Hilton Hotel yesterday afternoon.
She is yet to appoint heads of mission to India and Malaysia.
