Namibia's President has appointed Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati as ambassador-designate to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva. She received her letter of credence at State House on Friday. Nghipondoka-Robiati has a background in international relations and trade, having worked in various capacities in the Namibian government and private sector. Her appointment was announced by 99FM, a Namibian radio station.
Nghipondoka-Robiati has extensive experience in trade and commerce. Before her appointment as ambassador, she served as executive director at the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare. She also worked as Deputy Executive Director responsible for international trade and commerce at the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade. Additionally, she was chief executive officer of the Namibia Trade Forum for about seven years.
As ambassador to Switzerland, Nghipondoka-Robiati will focus on expanding European market access, increasing processed exports, and attracting tourism and investment. She highlighted the importance of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in facilitating Namibia's beef market access to Norway and Switzerland. Her priorities also include increasing the export of processed products and sourcing cheaper inputs for Namibian products.
Nghipondoka-Robiati has a strong academic background, having worked as a lecturer in Agricultural Economics at the University of Namibia (Unam). She also served as a trade adviser at the Agricultural Trade Forum. Her experience in trade and commerce will be valuable in her new role as ambassador to Switzerland.
The Namibian government is working to review its agreement with EFTA to gain more market access. Nghipondoka-Robiati emphasized the importance of this review in increasing Namibia's exports to European markets. She also highlighted the need to increase the export of processed products, which will contribute to Namibia's economic growth.
Nghipondoka-Robiati's appointment as ambassador to Switzerland is expected to strengthen Namibia's diplomatic relations with Switzerland and the European Union. Her experience in international relations and trade will enable her to effectively promote Namibia's interests in Switzerland. She will also play a key role in promoting tourism and investment between the two countries.
Nghipondoka-Robiati will take up her diplomatic assignments in Switzerland soon. Her priorities will focus on promoting Namibia's economic interests and strengthening bilateral relations with Switzerland. The Namibian government has expressed confidence in her ability to effectively represent the country's interests in Switzerland.
Key points
- Nghipondoka-Robiati's priorities as ambassador include expanding European market access and increasing processed exports.
- She has extensive experience in trade and commerce, including working as executive director at various Namibian government ministries.
- Her appointment is expected to strengthen Namibia's diplomatic relations with Switzerland and the European Union.
