Justicia Shipena
The minister of international relations and trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, urged members of the Namibia Association of Former Ambassadors (NAFA) to closely analyse global developments and advise the ministry on issues of strategic importance.
Ashipala-Musavyi made the call on Thursday in Windhoek during a NAFA meeting.
She said the experience and insight of former ambassadors remain critical to advancing Namibia’s foreign policy and economic interests.
NAFA was established 12 years ago as a think tank and advisory body to the ministry, drawing on the knowledge, experience and networks of retired diplomats.
She said this role has become more important as global tensions increase, international law comes under pressure and competition for Africa’s natural resources intensifies.
Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia is operating in an environment marked by shifting alliances, threats to sovereignty and uncertainty around global peace and security.
She said the ministry needs the guidance of experienced diplomats to respond to these challenges and protect national interests.
She commended NAFA’s leadership for keeping the association active despite difficulties over the years, including the loss of senior members.
She said NAFA has supported the ministry on key assignments such as reviewing foreign policy documents, contributing to operational manuals, helping to establish the Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies, serving on recruitment panels and acting as election observers within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Ashipala-Musavyi said economic diplomacy must deliver practical benefits for Namibians, including jobs, investment, skills transfer and improved livelihoods.
She urged NAFA members to continue advising the ministry on how diplomacy can unlock these outcomes.
She also encouraged former ambassadors to share their experience with younger diplomats through the School of Diplomatic Studies, saying the next generation must be prepared to take over the country’s diplomatic responsibilities.
She called on NAFA to chart a clear path for revitalising the association so that it remains aligned with Namibia’s foreign policy objectives and contributes to national development.
