Renthia Kaimbi
Namibia has allocated N$952.1 million to fund its diplomatic missions abroad under the 2026/2027 budget.
This accounts for 69.5% of the total budget for the Ministry of International Relations and Trade.
International relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi presented the ministry’s total budget of N$1.369 billion in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
She stated that the allocation aims to safeguard Namibia’s interests in a rapidly evolving global landscape characterised by escalating tensions and competition.
“In this shifting geopolitical landscape, global competition is no longer confined to oil but extends to critical minerals, as well as key technological inputs that will define future economic power interplay,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi said diplomats play a key role in identifying risks and opportunities.
“For Namibia’s economy to prosper, our diplomats proactively engage with the rest of the world and take cognisance that Namibia’s prosperity is more connected to the global world and Africa in particular,” she said.
She said the past financial year recorded progress in diplomacy and trade.
She pointed to the launch of trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in June 2025 and new market access for Namibian dates in Canada and India.
She also highlighted a deal signed by a local business in China.
“A Namibian SME based in the Khomas region signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a manufacturing company in China to supply organic oils and baobab powder for use in cosmetic production,” she said.
She said another agreement could create demand for Namibian marula oil in China.
The minister said Namibia also strengthened its role in regional and global platforms, including the operationalisation of the Southern African Centre for Renewable Energy Efficiency (Sacree) in Windhoek and the adoption of the Windhoek 25 Declaration.
She said small businesses still face challenges in using trade opportunities due to limited awareness and technical capacity.
The budget includes N$139.1 million for international trade and investment promotion, up from N$42.8 million.
The increase follows the reassignment of functions from the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
As of June 2025, NIPDB was realigned to fall under the ministry.
A further N$120.5 million is set aside for multilateral relations, where Namibia will continue to engage on global policy issues.
“This is a moment that calls on us to remain resilient and afloat while staying true to the principles and values we are committed to advancing,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
She said the budget is aimed at strengthening Namibia’s position abroad while supporting trade and investment.
