President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed Namibia’s seven newly appointed ambassadors to prioritise securing foreign direct investment and trade opportunities that will accelerate the country’s Vision 2030 objectives over the remaining four years.
Speaking at the opening of a mandatory induction course for heads of mission at the Hilton Hotel , the President told the envoys that their performance will be judged by tangible contributions to national development. “Your deployment is strategic. All diplomatic work must now fully align with Namibia’s core priorities,” she emphasised.
The new ambassadors are:
-Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya (former Ohangwena Governor) – Nigeria
-Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari (former Presidential Press Secretary) – Belgium
-Goms Menette (Deputy Auditor General) – Zambia
-Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata (Executive Director, Ministry of Agriculture) – Ghana
-Rosina //Hoabes (former Swakopmund Mayor) – Japan
-Weich Murcle Uapendura Mupya (former Member of Parliament) – Egypt
-David Thomas – Zimbabwe
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President Nandi-Ndaitwah instructed the diplomats to focus on agriculture and food security, youth empowerment, education and vocational training, sports and creative industries, health and social welfare, land, housing, and sanitation. She directed them to act as proactive advocates who identify investment opportunities, expand market access for Namibian products, and facilitate skills-exchange programmes.
The President highlighted that the recent merger of the Ministries of International Relations and Trade was deliberate, placing investment promotion and trade at the heart of foreign policy. “You are expected to conclude pending bilateral and multilateral agreements and attract quality investments that create jobs, transfer skills, and improve livelihoods,” she said.
She further urged the ambassadors to strengthen ties with the Namibian diaspora, describing the community as an underutilised resource whose expertise and networks must be harnessed for national development.
The envoys were reminded to manage their missions with integrity, professionalism, and strict financial discipline given the country’s economic realities, and to submit thorough, analytical reports that will shape future cooperation.
All heads of mission are required to complete the week-long induction programme covering the Constitution, the revised Foreign Policy White Paper, the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), and operational protocols before assuming their posts.
