The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has tabled a budget of over N$1.17 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year to advance Namibia's foreign policy, trade agenda, and diplomatic presence globally.

Motivating the allocation, the minister said 8.5% of the total budget, equivalent to N$100 million, has been earmarked for the development budget. 

This funding will support capital projects such as feasibility studies, property acquisitions, renovations and the completion of the Namibia International Women Peace Centre.

The remaining over N$1 billion, representing 91.5% of the budget, is allocated to operational expenses to cover six key programmes of the ministry.

Regional and bilateral relations will receive an amount of N$27.6 million; multilateral relations will receive N$133.2 million; protocol and consular services will receive N$424.1 million; and missions abroad will receive N$757.1 million, the largest share of the budget. 

This allocation supports 31 diplomatic missions and four consular posts. 

The minister noted that operational costs in this programme remain vulnerable to global financial market fluctuations and exchange rate volatility.

The ministry's coordination and support services programme will receive N$92.7 million, while the international trade and promotion programme is set to receive over N$42 million.

Funds under this programme are intended to promote trade policy, negotiations and investment facilitation.