Namibia will incorporate nuclear energy into its energy mix and intensify economic diplomacy efforts as part of a broader drive to advance national development and regional integration, Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said on Friday.

Speaking at her first diplomatic briefing since assuming office, Ashipala-Musavyi said the decision to bring international relations, trade, and investment portfolios under one ministry reflects the government’s focus on strengthening economic diplomacy while aligning foreign policy with development priorities.

“Namibia places the welfare of our people at the centre of our work by optimising economic diplomacy,” she said.

Highlighting recent milestones, she said Namibia launched its first trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in June this year, with a consignment of salt exported to West Africa.

“The launch further sensitized the business community to take advantage of opportunities offered by the AfCFTA,” she added.

Ashipala-Musavyi also said Namibia had decided to explore cooperation with bilateral partners in nuclear energy, as part of efforts to diversify its energy mix and build local processing capacity. Partnerships will encompass nuclear power plant development, capacity building, research, and investment in mining and processing infrastructure.

“This represents a key component of NDP6, which prioritises mineral beneficiation, technology transfer, and industrial diversification,” she said.

She further reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to multilateralism, citing its active participation in recent African Union, SADC, FOCAC, and TICAD.

On global affairs, she called for urgent reforms of the UN Security Council and reiterated Namibia’s solidarity with Palestine, Western Sahara, Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

The minister also unveiled plans to launch a Namibia Diplomatic Fair in Windhoek and to introduce a regional diplomatic outreach programme from November, aimed at strengthening cultural exchange and economic opportunities across Namibia’s regions.

“Together, we must ensure diplomacy continues to serve as a tool for peace, development, and prosperity,” she said. -Nampa