GATEWAY TO SOUTH AFRICA

– Your Excellency, you assumed your post in January 2026. What were your first impressions of the potential for cooperation between our two countries, and what priorities have you set for the Embassy’s work?

– My first impression upon coming here was that there is so much we can do together. Namibia, after all, is still a young country—we gained our independence only in 1990. Since that historic moment, we have been working through a series of our National Development Plans. Right now we are on our sixth NDP, under our eighth administration, and all of them are aimed at achieving our long-term goal—Vision 2030.

At the beginning, Vision 2030 sounded like a distant future and now is just around the corner. With that in mind, we are determined to make maximum use of the structured framework for cooperation we already have, because there is so much we can learn from the Russian Federation.

Namibia is blessed withabundant natural resources. Mining, in particular, is the backbone of our economy and has driven much of our growth. However, to strategically and trulymove forward, we recognize that resources alone are not enough—we need the skills to develop them effectively. That is precisely why we are so keen to tap into Russia’s experience in this field.

Our current plan has identified several strategic areas of focus, starting with agriculture. The reasoning is simple: we need to produce our own food. Right now, we often say that we consume what we do not produce, and this comes from the fact that we are a mineral-based economy. The major challenge, of course, is that two-thirds of our land is desert. We are a semi-arid country, so it does not rain much. Still, we have chosen agriculture as a priority because it is so fundamental. And this is where Russia comes in—we know there isboth expertise in this area and the capacity as a major producer of fertilizers.

Transport and logistics, in particular, are vital elements in our socio-economic development. A key part is Walvis Bay, which we are developing as a strategic logistics hub for companies wishing to do business not only in Namibia but across the region. About four or five years ago, we expanded the container terminal there specifically to accommodate more goods—both for Namibian exports and for transit to other countries. This includes, potentially, Russian companies looking to bring their products into Southern Africa. I believe Russian companies are well placed to use Walvis Bay harbor as a strategic access point to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and beyond.

Then there is sports. Our young people need to develop, to compete in all sports activities across the globe. But there is more to it, we need to help our young people. Because of unemployment, many of them are just lingering in the streets. They need something meaningful to occupy themselves with. Infrastructure development is therefore crucial in this regard.

This brings us to youth empowerment. We want to create industries that will employ young people and equip them with skills. Right now, the Government is the major employer in Namibia, and we want to break away from that. We want to give young people the skills so they can create their own businesses and become self-reliant.

Another key area is education, and here we are very grateful that the Russian government offers a quota every year for young Namibians to come and study. Thanks to this programme, some of our students are now pursuing medicine, mining, and other fields.

We also have a growing creative industry, fueled by talented young Namibians eager to produce films and pursue other artistic endeavors. This is precisely the kind of sector where we see great potential for partnership with Russia and its relevant institutions—not only to help our youth become well-rounded individuals but also to ensure they can participate fully in the creative economy.

Beyond culture, our focus extends to critical social sectors such as health, housing, and sanitation.

All of these areas are ultimately geared toward driving comprehensive economic growth. We are pleased that our existing framework for cooperation provides a solid foundation to help us achieve these objectives.

– The Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum established new frameworks for engagement. Which of the adopted decisions do you consider most promising for multilateral economic cooperation?

– One of the most promising outcomes, I believe, is the commitment by both sides to work together to strengthen the influence and representation of African countries in global economic governance systems. Institutions like the IMF, the World Bank, the WTO, and even the G20 have not always been friendly to smaller nations or those with less voice on the global stage. To be fair, the G20 has become somewhat more accommodating recently—it feels like it is moving in the right direction. But for many of us, securing a genuine seat at the table remains a real challenge. And as the saying goes: if you are not at the table, you become part of the menu. We want to be at the table—not on the menu.

This is precisely why we are encouraged that Russia and Africa have agreed to work together in advocating for a fair, inclusive, and truly multilateral trading system. Russia is a major economy with the influence and institutional muscle to help amplify our voice and secure that seat.

This shared understanding of what fairness requires has now been translated into a concrete commitment: the decision to work with Russia to support the establishment and effective operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area. As a flagship project of the African Union and a cornerstone of Agenda 2063, the Free Trade Area is designed precisely to address the socio-economic development challenges that earlier systems failed to solve. By cooperating to make this vision a reality, Russia and Africa are moving beyond the flawed frameworks of the past and building a new architecture for shared prosperity.

In practice, this translates into three interconnected priorities: capacity development—particularly for young people, who will ultimately carry forward the decisions we make today—alongside infrastructure development and regional connectivity. These elements are not optional, as you simply cannot talk about trade without first putting the necessary infrastructure in place.

A prime example of this is the Walvis Bay corridor, which, under the framework of the AfCFTA, now connects us more effectively with the rest of the continent. It is in this context that we look to Russia for assistance. By helping us scale up these early successes, Russia can play a meaningful role in transforming the AfCFTA from a promising framework into a driver of real economic integration across the continent.

Another important area is trade facilitation. You can have all the ambitions in the world, but without the right instruments to enable the smooth cross-border movement of goods, those ambitions will remain out of reach. When Russia trades with Namibia, for example, there must be clear customs regulations and other mechanisms in place, aimed at removing barriers.

Yet even the best trade facilitation framework can only function in an environment of stability and security. This is why multilateral cooperation must extend to include security as well. Across Africa today, we see numerous hot spots and conflicts that threaten not only lives but also the economic integration we seek to build. Within the UN system, we already cooperate closely with Russia— implementing Security Council resolutions alongside those of the African Union. Strengthening this security partnership is not separate from our economic goals; it is essential to protecting them.

Yet the challenges to global stability are not only military in nature. Today, we face another kind of threat—environmental degradation and climate change. From droughts and floods to earthquakes and disease outbreaks, much of what we suffer is linked to how we treat our planet.

Now, I believe it is important to acknowledge that Africa’s contribution here is relatively small. We do not have the massive industrial production that pollutes the air on the scale seen elsewhere. And yet we remain deeply affected by it. In Namibia, for instance, we maintain strict environmental regulations, but plastic still washes up on our shores. The environment is our common future, and saving it requires collective action. This is the logic behind our work within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Ultimately, the question is not about us here today. You and I may not be here tomorrow. But what about the next generations? We have to think about them. That is why we must act now—together.

– Are there any practical challenges that companies face when entering the Namibian market?

– Fortunately, we have a strong foundation to build upon—one rooted in history and sustained by the people.

During our struggle for independence, many Namibians benefited from UN scholarships andthose provided by the former Soviet Union and other countries. That investment in education has paid lasting dividends: today, although our population is only 3 million, the professionals trained in trade have become an integral part of the institutions overseeing our customs, imports, and exports.

Those systems, in turn, are built on clear and transparent regulations. Naturally, anyone wishing to enter the Namibian market must adhere to these rules, but I can say that we do not experience significant bottlenecks in this regard. For instance, the Namibia Revenue Agency, working in close coordination with customs, ensures that our borders are well regulated. With offices at all entry points, the agency is positioned to facilitate, not hinder, the flow of goods. When it comes to clearing goods, the process is straightforward.

– How do you see the role of the International Organisation for Eurasion Cooperation (IOEC) Business Centre in establishing direct contacts between our companies and setting up mechanisms for cooperation?

– Of course, we are eagerly examining the prospects for joint work aimed at bringing the business circles of both countries closer together. I am confident that the IOEC Business Centre will serve entrepreneurs well by helping them identify opportunities and forge partnerships. It can help Namibian and Russian companies understand each other’s regulatory landscapes, consumer preferences, and investment climate. It can organize trade missions and other events where companies can meet and explore concrete projects.

This kind of targeted support would be especially valuable for Namibia, where SMEs and women-owned businesses are playing an increasingly important role in our economy. Across sectors—from essential oils production and textiles to mining and beyond—we have many small producers who could benefit from connections with Russian partners. The Centre could help bridge that gap.

Looking ahead, I would also offer a natural next step: once the Centre is fully operational, I have no doubt that the IOEC would certainly consider opening a branch in Namibia.

– Russian technologies and investment are in demand in Namibia. What are the most promising sectors?

– Today the institutional framework guiding our economic engagement is the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which defines the key areas where we work together. While there have not been many activities to date, we are now beginning to see things take shape.

At the institutional level, a Joint Working Group has been established between Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy. Their mandate is to explore collaboration across a range of sectors—including mining, geology, subsoil management, and even waste management.

One sector where we see particular promise is agriculture. During the recent visit of Minister of International Relations and Trade to Russia, for instance, the establishment of a fertilizer factory was discussed. This is precisely the kind of practical initiatives that can transform our partnership from framework agreements into tangible results.

Beyond mining and agriculture, another promising sector deserves attention—oil and gas. Here, we would welcome Russia’s participation—not merely in terms of capacity building through training, but equally as an active commercial partner.

Looking beyond extractive industries, we must also focus on trade itself. The current level of bilateral trade remains very low. Rather than relying solely on investment projects, we need to identify specific products for exchange and create mechanisms to facilitate that flow. This is precisely where the upcoming Intergovernmental Commission can play a pivotal role. It is my conviction that this forum will produce concrete projects that can translate them into tangible economic outcomes. As a practical step, a Namibian-Russia business forum will precede the IGC where Namibian and Russian business people can meet and connect.

– Returning to the Intergovernmental Commission: given that a number of agreements have already been signed, what practical steps are needed to infuse them with real momentum? And is there room for small and medium-sized enterprises to contribute?

– Agreements form the fundamental legal basis for cooperation, but they are not a means to an end. For them to achieve the desired objectives and goals, specific programmes activities and possible outcomes have to be developed.

It is widely acknowledged that for any economy to truly develop, it must begin with the participation of small and medium-sized businesses. A classic example is Ghana, which built much of its early economic momentum on its market women. The principle here is that you cannot rely solely on big players to drive economic activity. Smaller industries matter, and in Namibia, we have many of them.

Consider just a few examples. We have women-led SMEs producing essential oils that are now exported around the world—and they are doing remarkably well. We have women in the textile industry, steadily building their presence. And we have small miners that need access to export markets for precious stones. All of these share a common challenge— connecting to opportunities beyond our borders.

The Government has established a Development Bank specifically to assist SMEs. By providing loans, it helps smaller enterprises grow and participate more fully in the economy—including by setting up joint partnerships with international counterparts. As long as they follow relevant regulations, Namibian SMEs could, for example, collaborate with Russian counterparts businesses in sectors of mutual interest.

– Finally, Your Excellency, you mentioned digitalisation as an emerging area. Could you elaborate on Namibia’s ambitions in this field?

– Indeed, digitalization is another area where Russia has extensive expertise—and it is an area where Namibia is actively seeking to advance. A couple of years ago, the Namibian government launched an e-government programme and we are striving to reach full digitalization. This is precisely why, when our Minister of International Relations and Trade visited Moscow in January, she met with Russian companies interested in finding partners in Namibia to develop this sector.

The urgency is clear—the world is moving forward. Soon, the old ways of doing things will no longer suffice—they may still work for our generation, but they will not serve the future generation. To develop any economy today, one must put these digital instruments in place. And we believe that cooperation with Russian player we can move faster and farther along this path.