As the world continues to grapple with rapid and often unpredictable changes in political, economic and environmental spheres, Namibia’s government must adopt a proactive and responsive approach to international relations. 

The complexity and interdependence of global developments require a reassessment of how Namibia engages with the rest of the world. 

In this era of global challenges and opportunities, the country must rethink its policy on international relations and how it tends to conduct its foreign affairs to ensure it not only responds to global shifts but actively participates in shaping them.

Even though Namibia has advanced significantly internationally since gaining its independence, new dynamics brought forth by the changing global environment require immediate attention. 

The nation’s foreign policy must continue to be adaptable, progressive and in line with new developments around the world. 

When developing its strategy for engagement internationally, the government should concentrate on the following significant worldwide trends.

Climate change is one of the world’s most urgent problems, and African countries like Namibia are disproportionately affected. 

Long-lasting droughts, catastrophic floods and changing ecosystems are just a few of the problems brought on by climate change. 

These problems now also pose security risks, economic difficulties and human rights issues. 

To lessen the effects of climate change, Namibia needs to make its voice heard in international climate negotiations and obtain more significant international assistance.

Namibia needs to make sure it takes advantage of the growing trend of green technologies and sustainable practices in the world. 

This entails investing in renewable energy technologies, promoting climate finance, and reaffirming its commitment to the Paris Agreement. 

Namibia’s engagement across various regional and international platforms should also concentrate on developing alliances with climate-leading nations and multilateral bodies to secure necessary resources for climate adaptation and disaster resilience. 

With a rise in great power competition between the United States, China, Russia and new international entities, the geopolitical order is changing. 

Due to its vital location in Southern Africa, Namibia cannot afford to watch these changes passively. Namibia must carefully manage its ties with these big nations as the balance of power in the world changes, striking a balance between political and economic factors without endangering its sovereignty.

Namibia also has new potential because of the emergence of new regional alliances and groups, such as the BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). 

Namibia may be able to access new markets, technological transfers and development cooperation that complement its national priorities by forming or deepening alliances with these up-and-coming international actors. 

However, the government needs to make sure that such engagements do not come at the cost of its existing relationships with Namibia’s strategic partners. 

The government of Namibia must acknowledge that international trends are not merely outside forces but rather play a crucial role in the nation’s national security, economic prospects and international reputation as it continues to work towards its objectives of peace, prosperity and sustainable development. 

Namibia’s international relations need to adjust to these dynamic global changes, which range from changing geopolitical alliances to continuous health issues, and from climate change to technological innovation.

Technological developments are changing economies and cultures in the connected world of today. 

Global supply networks, labour markets and sectors will all change as a result of automation, blockchain and artificial intelligence. 

The government of Namibia needs to be aware of these technological changes and develop policies that will allow the nation to take part in this new wave of technology and digital innovation.

To equip its workforce for the next changes, Namibia should place a high priority on education and skill development in areas like innovation and technology. 

Furthermore, Namibia’s long-term development will depend on adopting digital diplomacy, creating an atmosphere that is conducive to foreign direct investment in tech sectors, and creating plans to capitalise on technology breakthroughs.

The global trading system is undergoing a transformation, with trade agreements becoming more regionally focused and the rise of protectionism in some parts of the world. 

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has created new opportunities for intra-Africa trade, but Namibia must remain vigilant to ensure it can leverage these opportunities to benefit its economy. 

This means not only expanding trade relations with African neighbours but also diversifying partnerships with global markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.

To navigate these global shifts, Namibia’s foreign policy must emphasise the importance of economic resilience. 

This includes securing favourable trade agreements, promoting export diversification, and positioning Namibia as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. 

Furthermore, the government should advocate for fair trade practices that prioritise sustainable development and equitable growth for all countries.

Namibia needs to show that it has a forward-thinking mindset that welcomes the opportunities presented by global issues and acknowledges their interconnection now more than ever. 

Namibia’s future will be safe, and its influence on the international scene will grow with a proactive, smart foreign policy.

The Namibian government needs to take action and pay attention to these worldwide events for it to be best positioned to reap the most benefit from these transitions happening across the globe. 

*Wade Henckert is an international relations expert.