Selma Ashipala-Musavyi

"We should continue to find lasting solutions to ensure that peace and security prevail in our region, for without peace, there would be no regional integration for development."

"Our collective mission is clear: to advance Namibia’s international relations while fostering economic and trade partnerships that drive sustained economic growth and sustainable development."

"For us to access African and global markets, the private sector must manufacture and produce goods and services for export. We cannot be the only ones importing."

"We need to see more exports under these agreements, including the participation of SMEs, women, and youth, especially in the production of diverse goods."

"We must vigorously secure market access for our goods and services to create growth at home."

"The expectations of our people for improved service delivery, especially in the rural areas, are real and very high. Let us seize this opportunity to continue building a ministry that not only strengthens Namibia’s global engagements but also delivers tangible benefits for our nation’s economic growth"

"This new structure is more than just a name change. It is a repositioning of Namibia in a fast-changing world."

"We must enhance visibility, respond decisively where our positions are misrepresented, and ensure Namibians from rural communities to the diaspora feel the impact of our work."

"We are responsible for creating market access for the products we produce in Namibia and the services we offer. We are also responsible for bringing foreign direct investment into the country."

"Our continental leaders and current leadership have noted with concern that Africa is falling behind. When we export our timber, neglect our agricultural products, or overlook the innovative potential of our young people, we create opportunities for others to benefit from what should be ours."

"This shows that our people are eager to produce, but they face significant challenges that limit both their potential and that of their regions’ competitive advantages."

"The role of the government will remain a facilitating one, as the success of Namibia’s economic ambitions depends on collaborative efforts across sectors."

"Namibia, the first African country to export beef to China, is now advancing protocols for the export of lamb, goat meat, seafood and table grapes."

"No country can achieve sustainable progress in isolation. Global challenges and opportunities require collaborative approaches."

"No country is too small to contribute to peace and sustainable development, and none is too powerful to act alone."

"Namibia places the welfare of our people at the centre of our work by optimising economic diplomacy."