Remarks by ambassador Vilio Hifindaka: Returning Heads of Mission Commend President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Visionary Leadership

Remarks by ambassador Vilio Hifindaka, dean of returning heads of mission, State House, Windhoek, 7 October 2025.

____________________________________________________________

On behalf of my colleagues, the ambassadors and high commissioners who have completed their tours of duty and returned home, I wish to convey our profound appreciation for the honour of this audience. We thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you placed in us to represent Namibia, safeguard her interests, and project her voice on the international stage.

We return with humility and gratitude. Throughout our assignments, we endeavoured to translate Namibia’s foreign policy priorities into tangible outcomes: deepening bilateral relations, promoting trade and investment, serving our citizens abroad, and defending Namibia’s principled positions in multilateral fora. 

Each of us has submitted comprehensive reports and handover notes to ensure continuity of opportunities, especially in trade, investment, and cooperation pipelines.

Allow me also to extend, on behalf of my colleagues and indeed in my personal capacity, our warm congratulations for the manner in which you are steering the affairs of state. We commend your steadfast commitment to good governance, accountability, and the rule of law, which continue to uphold Namibia’s democratic stability and credibility abroad.

Your bold economic vision, especially the emphasis on natural resource beneficiation, renewable energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development, is attracting global partnerships and positioning Namibia as a hub of sustainable growth.

Your exemplary leadership as Namibia’s first female president inspires women and girls across our nation and beyond while elevating Namibia’s standing as a country championing inclusivity and gender equality.

Your prioritisation of education, youth empowerment, and innovation resonates deeply with the aspirations of our younger generations and strengthens Namibia’s long-term competitiveness.

These achievements and priorities gave us, as diplomats, a strong and credible narrative to present abroad, reinforcing Namibia’s positive image under your leadership.

We are mindful that the challenges of our time – geopolitical shifts, climate change, and global economic uncertainty – require foresight and flexibility. To this end, we aligned our diplomatic efforts with your vision: building partnerships, mobilising resources, and securing opportunities that advance Namibia’s development agenda.

As I conclude, kindly accept our collective congratulations on the progress you are driving in governing the Land of the Brave. We reaffirm our unwavering loyalty and our readiness to continue serving Namibia wherever we may find ourselves.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.