Inside the presidential mission – Russia…NNN pushes to turn Namibia-Russia relations into economic opportunities

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not travel to Moscow simply to reaffirm Namibia’s longstanding political relationship with Russia. She went with a broader economic agenda — to secure investment, strengthen trade, attract technology, develop skills and explore opportunities that could help Namibia process its natural resources and build local industries.

At the centre of the mission was a question that has increasingly shaped the President’s international engagements: how can Namibia move beyond exporting raw materials and ensure that its people benefit more directly from the country’s natural wealth?

The Third Russia-Africa Summit, held in Moscow from 28 to 29 October 2026 under the theme ‘For Peace, Security and Development’, provided an opportunity for Namibia to advance that agenda.

The mission included a bilateral meeting between Nandi-Ndaitwah and Russian President Vladimir Putin, engagements with Russian officials and participation in discussions on economic cooperation between Russia and African countries.

One concrete outcome was the signing of an intergovernmental agreement between Namibia and Russia on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters.

The agreement provides for the exchange of customs information, cooperation in customs enforcement and specialised training for customs officials.

However, the mission also highlighted areas requiring further work, particularly in trade, investment, industrialisation and skills development.

Giving the highlights and outcomes of the mission to New Era, Presidential Press Secretary Jonas Mbambo said the President’s participation in the summit and her bilateral meeting with Putin advanced Namibia’s longstanding relations with Russia and cooperation in areas that support national development priorities.

He said the focus was now on translating the engagements into practical economic benefits.

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