Selma Ashipala-Musavyi

Selma Ashipala-Musavyi (born 16 June 1960) is a Namibian diplomat who is serving as the minister of international relations and trade as well as a member of the National Assembly of Namibia since 21 March 2025 as a member of the SWAPO Party. Quotes We should continue to find lasting solutions to ensure that peace and security prevail in our region, for without peace, there would be no regional integration for development. SADC needs to do more – Ashipala-Musavyi Namibian (10 August 2018) Our collective mission is clear: to advance Namibia’s international relations while fostering economic and trade partnerships that drive sustained economic growth and sustainable development. New Trade Minister aims to expand global trade footprint Namibian Economist (4 April 2025) For us to access African and global markets, the private sector must manufacture and produce goods and services for export. We cannot be the only ones importing. We need to see more exports under these agreements, including the participation of SMEs, women, and youth, especially in the production of diverse goods. Ashipala-Musavyi urges private sector to boost exports to African and global markets Informante (24 July 2025) We must vigorously secure market access for our goods and services to create growth at home. The expectations of our people for improved service delivery, especially in the rural areas, are real and very high. Let us seize this opportunity to continue building a ministry that not only strengthens Namibia’s global engagements but also delivers tangible benefits for our nation’s economic growth This new structure is more than just a name change. It is a repositioning of Namibia in a fast-changing world. We must enhance visibility, respond decisively where our positions are misrepresented, and ensure Namibians from rural communities to the diaspora feel the impact of our work. Ashipala-Musavyi charts future path for foreign relations and trade integration Windhoek Observer (retrieved 22 November 2025) We are responsible for creating market access for the products we produce in Namibia and the services we offer. We are also responsible for bringing foreign direct investment into the country. Ashipala-Musavyi urges Omusati business community to enhance manufacturing and value chains Informante (3 November 2025) Our continental leaders and current leadership have noted with concern that Africa is falling behind. When we export our timber, neglect our agricultural products, or overlook the innovative potential of our young people, we create opportunities for others to benefit from what should be ours. This shows that our people are eager to produce, but they face significant challenges that limit both their potential and that of their regions’ competitive advantages. Africa should stop exporting wealth and importing poverty – Ashipala-Musavyi Namibian (9 August 2025) The role of the government will remain a facilitating one, as the success of Namibia’s economic ambitions depends on collaborative efforts across sectors. Ashipala-Musavyi urges local businesses to think beyond borders Namibian (5 September 2025) Namibia, the first African country to export beef to China, is now advancing protocols for the export of lamb, goat meat, seafood and table grapes. No country can achieve sustainable progress in isolation. Global challenges and opportunities require collaborative approaches. Namibian FM highlights China's role in progress China Daily (1 July 2025) No country is too small to contribute to peace and sustainable development, and none is too powerful to act alone. Namibia hails EU development support New Era Live (retrieved 22 November 2025) Namibia places the welfare of our people at the centre of our work by optimising economic diplomacy. Namibia yes nuclear energy New Era Live (retrieved 22 November 2025) External links Category:21st-century Namibian women politicians Category:Women born in the 1960s Category:1960 births