President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has undertaken a limited number of international trips since assuming office, with the Presidency saying foreign travel is approved only when it serves Namibia’s national interests and foreign policy priorities.
Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo said the President’s approach reflects a focus on domestic governance, regional engagement, and the use of state resources in line with national needs.
Mbambo said Namibia continues to participate in key regional and international platforms such as SADC summits and the United Nations General Assembly, where the country’s interests are represented.
The President selects international engagements based on their relevance to bilateral relations, economic diplomacy, and multilateral obligations.
According to the Presidency, comparisons with previous administrations should consider that presidential travel patterns depend on national priorities and global circumstances at a given time.
Addressing the President’s absence from the recent World Economic Forum, Mbambo said Namibia was represented by National Planning Commission Director-General Dr Kaire Mbuende, who attended on behalf of the President.
The size of presidential delegations on international trips, according to Mbambo, depends on the agenda of each engagement and the institutions needed to support Namibia's participation.
He added that diplomatic missions abroad are increasingly used for logistical and administrative support to reduce the need for deploying officials from Namibia.
The Presidency said the reduction in presidential travel has resulted in savings for both the Presidency and government, and that Cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, and public servants are encouraged to travel only when necessary and in the national interest.
The Presidency also said that President Nandi-Ndaitwah has participated in virtual international meetings where physical travel was not required and that alternative platforms remain under consideration.
Mbambo said the President’s approach to travel forms part of a broader commitment to accountability, transparency, and the responsible use of public resources, with official travel undertaken only when it advances defined national objectives.
The NBC approached State House for a comment after noting the absence of the President from the just-concluded World Economic Forum.