Ashipala-Musavyi bets on nuclear power and AfCFTA trade boom
Namibia is charting a bold new path in diplomacy and economic development, placing nuclear power and African free trade at the centre of its foreign policy agenda.
Addressing the diplomatic corps in Windhoek last week for the first time since her appointment, international relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi unveiled plans for Namibia to add nuclear energy to its power mix. “This represents a key component of NDP6, which prioritises domestic processing capabilities of mineral resources, technology transfer, and industrial diversification.”
The minister outlined government’s ambitions to pursue partnerships in nuclear power plant development, training programmes, joint research on advanced fuels, and investment in specialised mining and processing infrastructure.
She also highlighted Namibia’s African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) milestone. “On 30 June 2025, we exported the first consignment of salt to West Africa under the AfCFTA. The launch further sensitised the business community to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA Agreement.”
Global and domestic issues
Ashipala-Musavyi reaffirmed Namibia’s focus on international solidarity and on condemning ongoing humanitarian crises around the world. “Humanity cannot continue to sit idly by watching a genocide taking place in Palestine,” she said. She also called for reform of the United Nations Security Council and urged the lifting of unilateral coercive measures against Cuba, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
On domestic engagement, Ashipala-Musavyi said that from November this year, the ministry will introduce diplomatic regional outreach, led by the minister. “Every six months, we shall visit a region to explore our cultural diversity and the economic competitiveness of each region.”
She further promoted the Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies and the upcoming Diplomatic Fair in Windhoek as avenues for closer interaction between missions and the public.
Marking 35 years of independence and diplomatic ties, Ashipala-Musavyi said: “Our task is to optimise economic diplomacy while strengthening regional and continental integration.”
She stressed that Namibia will continue to deepen partnerships across agriculture, youth empowerment, education, health and the creative industries.
Addressing the diplomatic corps in Windhoek last week for the first time since her appointment, international relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi unveiled plans for Namibia to add nuclear energy to its power mix. “This represents a key component of NDP6, which prioritises domestic processing capabilities of mineral resources, technology transfer, and industrial diversification.”
The minister outlined government’s ambitions to pursue partnerships in nuclear power plant development, training programmes, joint research on advanced fuels, and investment in specialised mining and processing infrastructure.
She also highlighted Namibia’s African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) milestone. “On 30 June 2025, we exported the first consignment of salt to West Africa under the AfCFTA. The launch further sensitised the business community to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA Agreement.”
Global and domestic issues
Ashipala-Musavyi reaffirmed Namibia’s focus on international solidarity and on condemning ongoing humanitarian crises around the world. “Humanity cannot continue to sit idly by watching a genocide taking place in Palestine,” she said. She also called for reform of the United Nations Security Council and urged the lifting of unilateral coercive measures against Cuba, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
On domestic engagement, Ashipala-Musavyi said that from November this year, the ministry will introduce diplomatic regional outreach, led by the minister. “Every six months, we shall visit a region to explore our cultural diversity and the economic competitiveness of each region.”
She further promoted the Namibia School of Diplomatic Studies and the upcoming Diplomatic Fair in Windhoek as avenues for closer interaction between missions and the public.
Marking 35 years of independence and diplomatic ties, Ashipala-Musavyi said: “Our task is to optimise economic diplomacy while strengthening regional and continental integration.”
She stressed that Namibia will continue to deepen partnerships across agriculture, youth empowerment, education, health and the creative industries.
