On October 2, 2026, at State House in Windhoek, President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed guests to the commissioning ceremony of the Ambassador-Designate to the Swiss Confederation. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including His Worship Peter Shivute, Chief Justice, and Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade. The President emphasized that the Ambassador's role is to advance, protect, and safeguard Namibia's national interests in accordance with the country's Constitution, laws, and national instruments.
The President's constitutional power to appoint ambassadors, as stated in Article 32(3)(c), enables her to commission Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati as Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to the Swiss Confederation and Permanent Representative of Namibia to the United Nations Office at Geneva. This appointment carries the confidence of the Namibian people, and the President expects the Ambassador to discharge her mandate faithfully, guided by the Constitution, laws of Namibia, Cabinet decisions, and national interests.
As Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation, Ms Nghipondoka-Robiati's mandate is bilateral, focusing on representing Namibia in its relations with the Government and people of Switzerland. The relationship between Namibia and Switzerland has a meaningful history, with Switzerland hosting the 1981 pre-implementation talks in Geneva, under the auspices of the United Nations, and contributing a medical unit to the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG), which led to Namibia's independence.
Today, this history provides a strong foundation for further cooperation in trade and investment, tourism, education, research, and innovation between Namibia and Switzerland. The two countries have strengthened their economic and people-to-people ties through existing frameworks and improved connectivity. Namibia's membership in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) provides an important economic link with Switzerland through the SACU-EFTA framework.
The SACU-EFTA framework offers a foundation for expanding trade and economic cooperation between Namibia and Switzerland. This relationship has been further enhanced by the commencement of the Zurich-Windhoek air service, which began in June 2026. The air service provides greater convenience for travellers, supporting tourism and business exchanges, and creating new opportunities to strengthen people-to-people and commercial ties between the two countries.
The President's charge to the Ambassador-Designate emphasizes the importance of advancing Namibia's interests abroad. The Ambassador's role is crucial in promoting Namibia's economic and social development through international cooperation and partnerships. By working closely with the Swiss Government and people, Ms Nghipondoka-Robiati is expected to foster greater cooperation and understanding between the two nations.
In conclusion, the commissioning of Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati as Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation marks a significant milestone in Namibia's diplomatic relations with Switzerland. The President's confidence in the Ambassador's abilities reflects the importance of this role in advancing Namibia's interests abroad. With a strong foundation of historical ties and existing frameworks, Namibia and Switzerland are poised to strengthen their cooperation in various areas, promoting mutual benefit and understanding between the two nations.
Key points
- The President of Namibia charges Ambassador-Designate Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati to advance Namibia's interests in Switzerland.
- The relationship between Namibia and Switzerland has a meaningful history, with Switzerland hosting talks that led to Namibia's independence.
- The commencement of the Zurich-Windhoek air service in June 2026 enhances people-to-people and commercial ties between Namibia and Switzerland.
