New minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says merging trade with her ministry is key to sustaining Namibia’s global economic relevance.
Addressing her staff in Windhoek on Thursday, Ashipala-Musavyi said this transition will significantly aid continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
It will also streamline operations and enhance the ministry’s effectiveness in positioning Namibia as a competitive player regionally and globally, she said.
“Moving forward, therefore, our collective mission is crystal clear: to advance Namibia’s international relations while fostering economic and trade partnerships that drive sustained economic growth and sustainable development,” the minister said.
She said Namibia must focus on enhancing its trade capabilities through market diversification, focus on priority areas where comparative advantage exists, unlock the potential offered by the AfCFTA, and enhance its position in the African trading landscape.
She identified key priority sectors, including agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and logistics.
Tourism, business services, as well as financial, health, transportation and communication services, she said, will also assist in positioning Namibia competitively in the African market.
“We must seek membership to United Nations agencies that are technical in nature to complement the realisation of our national development programmes. Through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, we must vigorously secure market access for our goods and services to create growth at home,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah recently announced her Cabinet, consisting of 14 ministers, a reduction from the previous 21 ministers.
The previous Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade’s trade mandate was transferred to the Ministry of International Relations.
Ashipala-Musavyi, a former high commissioner to Ghana, replaces Peya Mushelenga.
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