IMELDA AMBONDO
Namibia will spend about N$1.96 billion in the next five years to push its recently launched international and diplomatic engagements through a strategic plan driven by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade.
The Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030) launched last week is hinged on advancing peace, economic diplomacy, and sustainable development through strengthened international partnerships.
According to the plan, a total estimated investment of N$1,966,161,548, is set aside to drive to achieve precise targets, rigorous performance indicators, and well-defined success factors. The plan says this is to ensure that Namibia’s diplomacy evolves into a global model of efficiency, innovation, and excellence.
The cornerstone of the government’s agenda, the plan said, is the establishment and full operationalisation of the Namibia School of Diplomacy, envisioned as a national and regional hub for economic diplomacy and international relations capacity-building.
“By 2030, the school will be 100% operational, fully staffed, and offering accredited programmes that align Namibia’s foreign policy objectives with national economic priorities. Budget allocation is as follows, Operational Budget is Integrated in total, Development Budget is N$1,670,212,000 and Total Estimated Cost: N$1,966,161,548,” part of the plan said.
The plan said the ministry will overhaul its internal operations to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and client satisfaction, with a particular focus on protocol and registry services that directly affect key stakeholders.
“All essential Ministry services will be digitally re-engineered through Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and the Customer Service Charter (CS Charter), enabling faster service delivery and improved satisfaction ratings among stakeholders,” the plan said.
The plan said to ensure full achievement of the above targets, MIRT has identified five critical success factors as the core enablers that will determine the success of this N$1.96 billion transformation plan.
“To achieve its strategic vision, MIRT will strengthen employee performance, enforce prudent financial management, and optimize resource utilisation.
Every dollar spent will be tracked to measurable outcomes, ensuring that 100% of programmes and projects directly benefit targeted clients, citizens, and international partners,” the plan said.
It says success will be driven by data.
“Regular monitoring and evaluation will measure progress on all KPIs from the 20% year one milestones to the 100% completion targets in year five.
Transparent reporting and adaptive feedback mechanisms will allow for evidence-based decision-making throughout the implementation cycle,” the plan said.
The plan further says that the ministry recognises that people are its most valuable asset.
“To retain top talent and ensure 100% workforce readiness, MIRT will implement robust staff development and retention strategies, promote leadership excellence, and maintain a supportive, motivating work environment that encourages innovation and ownership,” it said.
It added that through its core values of integrity, collaboration, and service, the ministry will continue to build strong partnerships with government institutions, the private sector, international development partners, and foreign governments.
“These networks are key to sustaining economic diplomacy initiatives and ensuring that Namibia’s voice is amplified in global decision-making forums,” part of the plan said.
It said the success of this plan depends on the effective alignment of strategic goals with financial realities.
It will also see all directorates and departments are required to prepare realistic cost estimates linked to MTEF allocations.
“The N$1.9billion total budget will be strategically distributed to deliver maximum outcomes with minimum wastage, ensuring fiscal discipline and accountability.
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