Namibia, Russia boost economic partnership with new investment focus

Namibia and the Russian Federation have reaffirmed their longstanding bilateral ties, with a renewed focus on expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation, during the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Namibia and Russia as well as the Namibia– Russia Business Forum held in Windhoek recently. These sessions, chaired by Minister of International Relations and Trade and Chairperson of the Namibian Party of the Commission Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, and co-chaired by His Excellency Yuri Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister and Special Representative of the Russian President, Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District and Co-Chairperson of the Russia–Namibia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, brought together government officials, business leaders, investors and representatives of key economic sectors from both countries.

Minister Ashipala-Musavyi described the gathering as a clear affirmation of the strong historical friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted the importance of the sessions amid a rapidly changing global landscape, noting that increasing geopolitical uncertainty and threats to international peace call for strengthened diplomatic cooperation. She emphasised that Namibia remains committed to working with global partners, including Russia, to promote peace, stability and shared development.

The minister further emphasised the government’s development priorities under the leadership of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, pointing to key sectors such as agriculture, youth empowerment, education, health, housing and the creative industries. “These priority areas are very important for the upliftment of the living standards of our people. I therefore continue to invite the Russian business community to explore business opportunities in these priority areas,” she said.

Among the proposals discussed was the potential establishment of a fertiliser manufacturing plant in Namibia to support agricultural production. The project is expected to reduce costs, boost output and enhance food security, while positioning Namibia to export agricultural products and fertilisers within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “The worldclass Walvis Bay port and our transport corridors make Namibia an attractive partner for any investor seeking to expand their business in the burgeoning African market,” she added.

Progress was also reported on several bilateral agreements, including a draft agreement on customs cooperation and advancements in geology and mining collaboration. In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties, encouraging private-sector participation and promoting joint ventures, technology transfer and value addition, further noting the importance of strengthening peopleto-people exchanges, academic cooperation and cultural ties as a foundation for long-term partnership. The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold the 12th session of the Intergovernmental Commission in Russia in 2027, at a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.