H.E. Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia
The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (formerly Ministry of Foreign Affairs), was established at Namibia’s independence in 1990.
The Ministry is entrusted with the primary function of formulating, promoting and executing Namibia’s foreign policy and the conduct of Namibia’s international relations.
Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Corporation (right) flanked by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi at a Ministerial Staff Meeting in December 2014
Article 96 of the Constitution stipulates five general guidelines which underpin the Government’s commitment to actively promote friendly and beneficial relations and cooperation with other nations, and also to foster, in concert with them, the maintenance of the rule of law, peace, security, social justice and economic welfare.
H.E. Dr Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, Madame Penehupifo Pohamba, former First Lady, H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba, former President; Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and spouse, retired Lieutenant-General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah at a New Year’s greeting ceremony at State House in January 2015 during H.E. Pohamba’s tenure as Head of State
Key guidelines
- Adopt and maintain a policy of non-alignment
- Promote international cooperation, peace and security
- Create and maintain just and mutually beneficial relations among nations
- Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations
- Encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means
Strategic Plan 2013-2017
The Strategic Plan was launched in November 2014 and projects the activities to be carried out by the Ministry within the next five years.
Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the launch of the Five-year Strategic Plan
More Information: www.mfa.gov.na / www.namibiahc.org.uk
In line with the above, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation is, therefore, the administrative machinery responsible for the management of foreign policy of the Republic of Namibia. Its activities and functions are geared towards the formulation, co-ordination and smooth functioning of the policies of Namibia in so far as they involve relations, bilateral and multilateral, with other countries and international organisations.
Namibia and Turkey have signed three MoUs to cement ties between the two countries in August 2014 in Windhoek. The two countries were represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi (right) and the Deputy Under Secretary for Africa in the Turkish Government, Mr Ali Kemal Ayadin
To cater to all aspects of national, regional and international interest, the Ministry is divided into the following divisions/directorates/departments:
Department of Bilateral Affairs (DBA)
The Department is headed by a Deputy Permanent Secretary and deals with Namibia’s relations at bilateral level, be they political, security, economic, social or cultural.
It has four directorates:
- Directorate for Africa and the Middle East
- Directorate for the Americas and the Caribbean
- Directorate for Asia and the Pacific Rim
- Directorate for Europe
Each directorate has been divided into divisions and sub-divisions to which desk officers for specific countries are allocated.
Former President H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba, with UN Secretary-General H.E. Ban Ki-moon at the official opening of the UN House in Namibia in July 2014
Department of Multilateral Affairs (DMA)
Headed by an Under-Secretary, DMA comprises the Directorate of International and Regional Co-ordination, and the Directorate of Treaties and Agreements.
The Department works to assert Namibia’s position and interests on a regional, continental and global level, and manages the country’s participation in major regional and multilateral organisations.
As a member state of SADC, Namibia has been active in working for the peace and security of the region. Recently, during 2013 to 2014 Namibia was the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. At the African Union, in April 2014, Namibia assumed a regional seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council, a position the country will hold until April 2016.
Hon. Marco Hausiku, former Deputy Prime Minister, receiving the Queen’s Baton from former Athletics Namibia President and MP Agnes Tjingarero during the torch’s relay journey in preparation of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Sports Games torch arriving at the Office of the Prime Minister in Windhoek ahead of the Glasgow 2014 games
Department of Protocol Affairs (DPA)
The Department is headed by the Chief of Protocol and consists of three divisions, each headed by a Deputy Director.
His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, at a commissioning ceremony of Namibian diplomats to foreign countries pictured here with former Chief of Protocol and current Namibian High Commissioner to Botswana, Mr Mbapeua Muvangua in November 2014
Department of Administration
The Directorate is headed by a Director and is responsible for the sub-divisions of Finance, IT, General Service, Personnel, and Auxiliary Services. These provide essential administrative services to the Ministry’s staff in Windhoek and at overseas posts.
Ms Jacky Hindjou-Mafwila, (left) Chief PRO in the Ministry with the Mayor of Otjiwarongo Town, Ms Hilda Jesaja, Regional Commander of the Otjozondupa Region, Commissioner Joseph Anghuwo and the Regional Governor of the Otjozondjupa Region, Samuel Nuuyoma, during the Ministry’s participation in the north-central region of Namibia in its quest to enlighten Namibians about its operations
Diplomatic Missions
To extend its operations in the international arena, the Ministry has either established Diplomatic Missions or appointed Consuls General and Honorary Consuls abroad. Currently Namibia has 30 Namibian diplomatic missions abroad, two Consuls General and 44 Honorary Consulates.
Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, officiating at a commissioning ceremony of Namibian diplomats to foreign countries pictured here with former Chief of Protocol and current Namibian High Commissioner to Botswana, Ambassador Mbapeua Muvangua in November 2014
His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, former President of the Republic of Namibia, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba, former First Lady; Honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Spouse, Retired Lieutenant-General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, Ambassador Mbapeua Muvangua, Namibian High Commissioner to Botswana and Spouse, Mrs. Dina Uerikua Muvangua on the commissioning day at State House
Honourable Marco Hausiku, former Deputy Minister and High Commissioner of South Africa to Namibia H.E. Ms. Yvette Lillian Mavivi Myakayaka-Maznini (both seated) in a group picture with some of the resident High Commissioners of Commonwealth member countries accredited to Namibia and officials from the Namibian Foreign Affairs’ Ministry during the Commonwealth Day celebrations in 2014
NAFA launched
The 7th Namibian Heads of Diplomatic Mission’s Conference which was held in Swakopmund in 2014 under the theme ‘Enhancing Economic Diplomacy in Pursuance of Namibia’s Foreign Policy’, resulted in the formation of the Namibian Association of Former Ambassadors (NAFA). The purpose of establishing NAFA is to help retain the experience and expertise of those who have served as Heads of Missions.
Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (front third from left) pictured here with some of the NAFA members in December 2014
Abundant resources ● Competitive economy ● Top quality exports ● Gateway to SADC ● Land of contrasts ● Sweeping scenery ● Abundant wildlife ● Hospitable people ● Modern infrastructure
Investment opportunities
Agriculture
Despite its arid and semi-arid climate, Namibia produces a variety of crops ranging from cereals and fruit to horticulture. Increased production of horticulture produce indicates that massive opportunities still exist within the sector.
Livestock farming
Cattle, sheep, goats and pigs account for about 76 per cent of livestock production of which 70 per cent is from commercial areas and six per cent from communal areas.
Opportunities for investors
- Processing of meat and meat products
- Manufacturing of milk products
- Processing of fruit and vegetables
Tourism
Ranked fourth in the top ten countries in Africa, Namibia is a unique destination that offers vast open spaces, abundant and diverse biodiversity and wildlife, rich cultural diversities and valuable traditional knowledge. The world’s oldest desert, highest dunes and largest cheetah population as well as the oldest plant and the second largest canyon count among Namibia’s tourist gems.
Namibia’s commitment to conservation remains the backbone of the tourism industry giving tourists an unforgettable experience and at the same time allowing local communities and nature to benefit from it.
Opportunities for investors through direct investment or joint ventures with entrepreneurs in Namibia include:
- Business tourism centres
- Medical tourism
- Cultural tourism
- Cruise ships
- Conference facilities
- Sport and adventure tourism
Logistics
An effective transport infrastructure is the backbone of a vibrant economy and Namibia’s favourable geographical position on the south-western coast of the African continent puts it in good stead to be the transport and logistics hub in southern Africa.
Namibia has well-established road infrastructure and is linked by road to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa through various regional corridors.
The port of Walvis Bay has a key competitive advantage, with its proximity to transatlantic markets. Despite being smaller than regional ports, the harbour benefits from higher efficiency, shorter waiting times and additional facilities such as a dry dock for oil and gas rig repairs. Namibia’s port expansion agenda gives investors opportunities to participate directly in infrastructural development and management or invest in related support services.
Invest in Namport’s expansion drive
- Full truckloads and consolidation services
- Specialised packaging and cargo handling
- Break bulk services
- Warehousing and distribution
- Cold storage facilities
- Freight forwarding
Manufacturing
The sector plays a strategic role in economic development and presents greater opportunities for sustained growth, employment and poverty reduction.
While the size of the domestic market is small, the regional SADC markets have a consumer base of over 300 million. The Namibian government has signed various preferential free trade agreements. While there are a number of manufacturing activities that already take place in the country, there is still significant room for expansion.
Opportunities for investors
- Steel manufacturing and metal fabrication
- Automotive parts
- Fodder and pet food production
- Fertiliser production
- Production of chemicals
- Manufacturing of leather, wool and textiles
Namibia Investment Centre
The first port of call for local and foreign investment
The Namibia Investment Centre (NIC) is a department within the Ministry of Trade and Industry with the main responsibility to create an enabling environment for increased domestic and foreign direct investment to achieve sustainable economic growth and employment.
Investment Opportunities
Services
- Provides information on incentives, investment opportunities and Namibia’s regulatory regime
- Offers investor services when establishing businesses in Namibia e.g. work permits and business visas
- Assists with the search and identification of land/premises
- Minimises bureaucratic obstacles
- Conducts research on investment climate trends, sector studies, etc.
- Promotes and facilitates joint venture arrangements and encourages domestic participation in investment activities locally and abroad
- Issues certificates and status investment
- Offers attractive investment incentives
- Facilitates inward and outward business missions
- Provides aftercare services to existing investors
More information: investnamibia@mti.gov.na
Ministers
Office of the Vice-President
Hon. Dr Nickey Iyambo, Vice-President and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Marginalised Communities
Office of the Vice-President
Old State House, Robert Mugabe Avenue
Veterans Affairs and Marginalised Communities
Tel: +264 61 296 3021
Office of the Prime Minister
Hon. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia
Office of the Prime Minister
Robert Mugabe Avenue
Tel: +264 61 287 2002
Fax: +264 61 249 546
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperations
Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperations
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperations
4th Floor, West Wing, Government Offices, Robert Mugabe Avenue
Tel: +264 61 282 2146
Fax: +264 61 238 528
Ministry of Economic Planning
Hon. Tom Alweendo, Minister of Economic Planning and Director General of the National Planning Commission
Ministry of Economic Planning
Government Office Park, Luther Street
Tel: +264 61 283 4223
Fax: +264 61 250 751
Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Sme Development
Hon. Immanuel Ngatjizeko, Minister of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development
Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Sme Development
Block B, Brendan Simbwaye Square, Goethe Street
Tel: +264 61 283 7334
Fax: +264 61 220 148
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment and Tourism
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Philip Troskie Building, Dr. Keneth Kaunda Street
Tel: +264 61 284 2335
Fax: +264 61 232 057
Ministry of Mines and Energy
Hon. Obeth Kandjoze, Minister of Mines and Energy
Ministry of Mines and Energy
Mines and Energy Building, 6 Aviation Road
Tel: +264 61 284 8318
Fax: +264 61 284 8363
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Hon. Bernard Esau, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Brendan Simbwaye Square, Cnr Uhland and Goethe Street
Tel: +264 61 205 3101
Fax: +264 61 233 286
