President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibia's diplomats to bring home more than goodwill and handshakes, emphasizing that international relationships must translate into tangible benefits for the country's citizens. Commissioning Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati as Namibia's ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Nandi-Ndaitwah said diplomatic missions must play a direct role in advancing the country's economic ambitions.
The President's message places Nghipondoka-Robiati under pressure to turn longstanding ties with Switzerland into practical benefits, particularly in trade, tourism, investment, technology, and knowledge transfer. Nandi-Ndaitwah identified sectors such as mining, energy, oil and gas, tourism, agriculture, water, fisheries, and transport and logistics as areas where the ambassador should focus engagement with Switzerland.
Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that the responsibility for achieving these goals does not rest solely with the ambassador. She urged ministries to provide diplomatic missions with timely information, clear policy guidance, and coordinated national positions, stating that "our diplomatic missions can only be effective when government speaks with clarity, consistency and a shared national purpose."
Namibia and Switzerland have a history of cooperation dating back to the country's independence struggle, and their economic relationship is supported by a free-trade agreement between the Southern African Customs Union and the European Free Trade Association. Trade figures show that Switzerland recorded imports from Namibia worth approximately $12.8 million in 2025, while Swiss exports to Namibia stood at about $4.25 million.
The new direct Zurich-Windhoek air service, launched in June, is seen as an opportunity to strengthen tourism, business, and people-to-people ties. Nghipondoka-Robiati's assignment will extend beyond bilateral relations, as she will represent Namibia at various international institutions, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and the World Health Organisation.
Nghipondoka-Robiati described her appointment as an honour she accepted with gratitude and a full understanding of its weight. She pledged to ensure Namibia's voice is represented in international discussions and to strengthen economic ties between Namibia and Switzerland, while also fostering greater people-to-people engagement and cooperation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the personal cost of diplomatic service, recognizing that the demands of the job would extend into Nghipondoka-Robiati's family life. She encouraged the family to remain a source of strength and stability as the ambassador takes up her duties abroad, urging her to serve with "wisdom, courage, humility, integrity and discipline."
Key points
- President Nandi-Ndaitwah challenges Namibia's diplomats to translate international relationships into jobs, investment, and opportunities for ordinary Namibians.
- Nghipondoka-Robiati's assignment includes representing Namibia at various international institutions, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.
- The new direct Zurich-Windhoek air service is seen as an opportunity to strengthen tourism, business, and people-to-people ties between Namibia and Switzerland.
