Staff Reporter
THE Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) and Business Forum will be held in Windhoek later this month, with discussions expected to centre on enhancing Russian involvement in Namibia’s geological explorations, agriculture and energy infrastructure.
The announcement was made by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, during a recent media briefing. She confirmed that the Namibia–Russia IGC and Business Forum is scheduled for 16 and 17 March 2026.
“We are moving beyond diplomatic talk to bankable projects. We are seeking Russian expertise in geological exploration, agriculture and energy infrastructure to ensure that our mineral wealth stays in Namibia through local value-addition facilities,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
PICTURED: Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, MIRT Media Breakfast Meeting. Photo: Ministry of International Relations and Trade
This follows the minister’s visit to Russia at the beginning of the year to discuss bilateral relations between Namibia and Russia. Following this visit, the minister also undertook working visits to Singapore and Japan. According to Ashipala-Musavyi, these engagements have also produced tangible outcomes, particularly in port management and green energy.
“Specifically, the Namibia-Korea Green Port Strategy signed in February 2026 will support a ten-year policy to modernise our logistics infrastructure,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi added that Namibia’s relations with the United States are also evolving, with cooperation shifting from a traditional development-assistance model towards one based on equitable trade and investment.
“At the same time, we remain steadfast in our historical solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela. We recently elevated our framework with Cuba to an Intergovernmental Commission and we continue to call for the lifting of the unilateral embargoes that undermine sovereign equality. With Brazil, we are exploring expanded cooperation in the oil and gas sector while maintaining our long-standing ties in naval training and trade. In fact, I am hosting my colleague, the Foreign Minister of Brazil, Honourable Mauro Vieira later this month,” she said.
Ashipala-Musavyi also noted that Namibia intends to strengthen bilateral relations with other African countries. She said South Africa, Angola, Botswana and Zambia remain key partners, with plans to prioritise trade facilitation and improved border management with these neighbours. She added that Namibia also aims to deepen structured cooperation with Zimbabwe and Zambia to strengthen regional value chains and trade corridors.
“We are also strengthening engagements across North Africa, particularly with Egypt and Algeria, to attract investment in pharmaceuticals, agriculture and energy,” Ashipala-Musavyi added.
