President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah yesterday commissioned seven new heads of mission and told them to put economic diplomacy at the centre of their work as the country seeks investment, markets and development partnerships to meet the goals of NDP6 and Vision 2030. 

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President said the envoys carry a high sense of responsibility and charged them to protect Namibia’s national interests, sovereignty and unity while promoting sustainable development abroad. 

“I have appointed you, sons and daughters of the Republic of Namibia, to represent me in your host countries as ambassadors and high commissioners of the Republic of Namibia,” she told the new diplomats. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah used the occasion to stress that the recent merger of the Ministry of International Relations with Trade was deliberate and meant to make economic diplomacy the driving force of foreign policy. 

She instructed the new heads of mission to champion economic diplomacy, promote strong bilateral and multilateral trades and attract quality investments that will create jobs and improve the livelihoods of the people. 

The seven envoys will serve in a range of strategic capitals, the Kingdom of Belgium, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Japan, Zambia and Zimbabwe and are expected to focus on partnerships that deliver concrete results for Namibians at home, the President said.

Among them are former presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari (Belgium), former Ohangwena governor Walde Ndevashiya (Nigeria), deputy auditor general Goms Menette (Zambia), Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the executive director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (Ghana), Rosina //Hoabes (Japan), former Opuwo Urban constituency councillor Weich Mupya (Egypt) and David Thomas (Zimbabwe). 

 She reminded them that their reporting and analysis would shape future cooperation between Namibia and host countries, and urged clear, analytical dispatches to headquarters. 

Walde Ndevashiya, speaking on behalf of the seven heads of mission, thanked the President for the trust placed in them and pledged to advance Namibia’s goals overseas. 

“We reaffirm our full commitment to advancing Namibia’s national interests,” he said after the President. 

Ndevashiya continued, “Likewise, we reaffirm the strategic models of economic diplomacy as a modern pillar of Namibia’s foreign policy. We will intensify efforts to promote trade, attract foreign direct investments, advocate for better access to resources and enhance national competitiveness. In this context, we recognise the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area as a historic initiative for Namibia and the world.”

The President gave the envoys a list of priority sectors to guide their engagements. 

She said NDP6 and Vision 2030 identify agriculture, sports, youth empowerment, education and training, creative industries, health and welfare, land, housing and sanitation as areas where ambassadors should actively seek investment, market access and human development opportunities.

 She also urged missions to tap into the Namibian diaspora as a great and untapped resource. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah warned the envoys that their positions were functional and not ceremonial. She asked them to lead with professionalism, integrity and teamwork, to exercise financial prudence and ensure efficient administration at missions that are small but expected to be effective. 

“Elevate Namibia’s diplomatic footprints in your respective countries and organisations of accreditation and beyond,” she urged. 

She also told them to attend an intensive induction course organised by the ministry. 

Timing for the deployments is critical, the President said, noting that the country has four years before we obtain the set of objectives of Vision 2030 and that diplomatic action must help unlock development financing and trade opportunities during that period. 

She called for the use of Joint Commissions of Cooperation, high-level consultations and timely finalisation of pending agreements with partner countries. 

In closing, Nandi-Ndaitwah offered the envoys a personal challenge and a blessing to represent Namibia with honour and return with tangible benefits. 

“Go and save the nation,” she urged, prompting applause and a toast to the new missions and the season ahead.