Russia and Namibia Bolster Economic and Trade Ties in Moscow Meeting

High-Level Talks Reinforce Bilateral Cooperation

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev held a significant meeting with Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi in Moscow from January 12 to 14, 2026. The discussions centered on strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two nations, building on their long-standing friendly relations.

Minister Ashipala-Musavyi's visit to the Russian Federation came at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, underscoring the importance of diplomatic engagement in fostering economic partnerships.

Deepening Economic Engagement and Trade Growth

A primary focus of the meeting was the expansion of bilateral trade and investment. Both officials serve as Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, a key mechanism for advancing business collaboration. The discussions included preparations for the upcoming 11th meeting of the Commission, which is scheduled to take place in Windhoek, Namibia, in 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister Trutnev noted the positive trend in trade figures, stating that 'In 2024, trade between our countries almost doubled to $11.7 million. In January to October 2025, it further increased to $17.3 million.' He emphasized that while these figures are not substantial for either nation, they demonstrate 'the potential for building up bilateral contacts in various economic sectors.'

Key Sectors for Enhanced Collaboration

The high-level talks identified several promising areas for intensified cooperation, reflecting both countries' economic priorities. These include:

• Mineral Resources: Geological exploration, extraction, and processing of mineral resources, notably uranium.
• Energy Sector: Collaboration in energy development and infrastructure.
• Agro-industrial Complex and Fisheries: Expanding cooperation in agriculture and fishing industries.
• Trade Diversification: Namibia expressed interest in gaining access to the Russian market for various goods, including oysters, asparagus, and fruit.
• Education and Skills Development: Continued focus on educational exchanges and fostering skills crucial for Namibia's development.
• Tourism: Exploring opportunities to boost tourism between Russia and Namibia.

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had previously met with Yury Trutnev in April 2025, where discussions also highlighted the importance of adding value to Namibia's raw materials locally, rather than exporting them unprocessed. Trutnev reportedly agreed with this position, signaling a shared vision for resource beneficiation.

Commitment to Future Partnership

The meetings underscored a mutual commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between Russia and Namibia. Both sides reiterated the importance of consistent dialogue and practical implementation of agreements to foster economic growth and development. The upcoming 11th Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Windhoek is anticipated to further solidify these collaborative efforts, with both parties expected to present concrete proposals for joint projects.