Embassy of Namibia - Belgium

10/09/2026

Today, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI convened the first meeting of the OACPS Southern Africa Region (SAR) Ambassadors under Namibia’s coordination for August 2026–January 2027.

The meeting brought together H.E. Berta Celestino Cossa, Ambassador of Mozambique; H.E. Justice Dr Zeinub Kebonang, Ambassador of Botswana; H.E. Mantoetsi Liteboho Mohatonyane, Ambassador of Lesotho; H.E. Ammon Mutembwa, Ambassador of Zimbabwe; and H.E. Mary Chirwa, Ambassador of Zambia, together with Mr Antonio Nzita Mbemba, Deputy Head of Mission of the Republic of Angola, and Mr Njabulo Simelane, First Secretary of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Following this week’s OACPS Ambassadors Bureau meeting, SAR Ambassadors reflected on key developments and looked ahead to the Region’s engagement in upcoming OACPS meetings.

The meeting also considered Namibia’s SAR Coordination Roadmap and exchanged views on priorities for the period under Namibia’s coordination of the region.

The months ahead provide an opportunity to translate regional dialogue into coordinated action and ensure that the Southern Africa Region continues to contribute a clear and constructive voice to the OACPS agenda.

09/09/2026

NAMIBIA TO LEAD SOUTHERN AFRICAN REGION IN THE OACPS | Today, H.E Dr Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI participated in the Bureau of the Committee of Ambassadors of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), where Namibia assumes a leadership role in advancing the interests and priorities of the Southern African Region.

In this capacity, Namibia will work closely with Member States of the Region and the wider OACPS family to advance our shared objectives of eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable and inclusive development, and strengthening the effective participation of OACPS Member States in the global economy.

Our engagement will be firmly aligned with the priorities of Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, and the 8th Administration. In particular, we will place emphasis on agriculture and food security, value addition and beneficiation of our natural resources, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, as well as green industrialisation and the transition towards sustainable and resilient economies.

Namibia will also contribute constructively to the ongoing reform process within the OACPS, with the objective of strengthening the Organisation’s institutional capacity, unity and effectiveness, and ensuring that it remains responsive to the aspirations and interests of its Member States.

Our approach will be anchored in the enduring principles of solidarity, sovereign equality of nations, mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to multilateralism. Namibia believes that our collective strength lies in our ability to act together, to advance our common interests and to ensure that the voices of developing countries are heard meaningfully in the institutions and processes that shape the international order.

The OACPS, comprising 79 Member States across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific and representing more than 1.3 billion people, constitutes an important transcontinental platform for South-South cooperation, economic partnership and collective diplomacy.

Namibia will therefore approach this responsibility with a strong sense of duty, purpose and solidarity. We will seek to build consensus, advance the common interests of our Region and contribute to a stronger, more cohesive and effective OACPS.

In keeping with Namibia’s longstanding commitment to principled diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, our voice will be clear, constructive and purposeful in advancing the interests of our Region, our Organisation and the broader Global South.

08/09/2026

Strengthening Namibia–Europe Tourism Partnerships | H.E. Ambassador Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI held a working meeting with Mr. Matthias Lemcke, Director Europe, UK & CIS, ahead of the Namibia Tourism Board’s B2B tourism event taking place on 24 September 2026 in Breukelen, Netherlands. The event will bring together Namibian tourism companies and key European travel trade partners to showcase Namibia’s tourism offering, strengthen relationships and explore new business opportunities.

Ambassador Hengari emphasized close cooperation between the Embassy and the Namibia Tourism Board to identify and engage potential investors interested in Namibia’s tourism sector. This collaboration will help create new partnerships, mobilise investment and support sustainable growth and development in Namibia’s tourism industry.

Ambassador Hengari also highlighted the opportunity to leverage Belgium’s strategic position as one of the leading European MICE hub to create greater opportunities for Namibia in business events, conferences, incentive travel and related tourism investment.

05/09/2026

The Future of Namibian Diamonds Shines Bright | H.E Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI held consultations with Mr. Isi Morsel, President of the Board, and Ms. Karen Rentmeesters, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), as well as other diamantaires with operations in Namibia. Ambassador HENGARI also had an opportunity to gain valuable insights about the import and export of diamonds in Antwerp.

The discussions reaffirmed the premium positioning of Namibian diamonds as high-value goods, globally recognized for their exceptional quality. Namibia is the 5th in the export of diamonds - but the value of our diamonds is 4 times the global average. The discussion reached a shared understanding that partnerships must be mutually beneficial and anchored in the principle that Namibians must receive their fair share through ownership, taxes, beneficiation, job creation, and long-term economic development.

The engagement provided an extensive deep-dive into the diamond value chain, including insights into the premium quality segment and the economics of diamond polishing. Ambassador HENGARI encouraged the interlocutors to explore more investments in diamond cutting and polishing activities in Namibia to enhance local value addition.

02/09/2026

H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI joined Hon. Maxime Prévôt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, for a braai at the Château de Val-Duchesse.

As the diplomatic season opens, it was an opportunity to reaffirm and elevate the friendship and commitment between our two countries. At a turbulent moment in world history, Namibia and Belgium stand together in belief of strong bilateral relations and multilateralism. Our trade and investment portfolio is promising. The Embassy of Namibia in Belgium processed more tourism visas between June and August 2026 than during the same period last year.

Together, we are authoring a new chapter in our bilateral relations.

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

Anchoring knowledge and building futures.

Today, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Antwerp Maritime Academy, opening new avenues of collaboration that will support the development of UNAM’s School of Maritime Sciences and Engineering.

The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Kenneth Matengu, Vice-Chancellor of UNAM, and Dr. Rowan Van Schaeren, Director General of the Antwerp Maritime Academy. The Agreement provides a framework for cooperation in STCW training, simulator use, research collaboration and the exchange of best practices.

Ambassador HENGARI welcomed the signing as an important step towards strengthening Namibia’s capacity to train, research and build expertise at home, underlining the important role of the School of Maritime Sciences and Engineering in preparing Namibians for opportunities across the country’s evolving maritime and related industries.

24/08/2026

From ambition to green hydrogen applications

What does the transition to cleaner maritime and road transport look like in practice?

H.E. Dr Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI and UNAM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kenneth Matengu held working meetings at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and proceeded to CMB.TECH hydrogen refuelling station, gaining first-hand insight into technologies supporting the transition towards lower-carbon maritime and heavy-duty transport.

In a fitting connection to home, Ambassador HENGARI had the opportunity to fuel a hydrogen-powered truck destined for Namibia, bringing Namibia’s emerging green ambitions into view.

The site visit was followed by a working meeting at CMB.TECH headquarters, where discussions centred on ongoing collaboration in maritime science and engineering, with particular attention to building the skills and technical expertise required to support Namibia’s emerging industries.

As Namibia builds its green industrialisation and oil and gas sectors, strengthening the link between education, specialised training and industry will be critical to equipping Namibians to participate meaningfully across these new areas of economic growth.

24/08/2026

Deepening Namibia’s Maritime Capabilities for Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas Sectors

Antwerp stands at the heart of one of Europe’s major maritime and logistics centres, making it an important partner as Namibia builds the skills and expertise required for its expanding maritime, green industrial and oil and gas sectors.

H.E. Dr Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI and a delegation from the University of Namibia (UNAM), headed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kenneth Matengu, held working meetings at the Antwerp Maritime Academy, where discussions explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in maritime education, training and applied research.

With expertise spanning Nautical Sciences, Marine Engineering, hydrography and specialised professional training, the Academy is ideal to partner UNAM to strengthen Namibia’s ambitions in martitime logistics, green industries, including oil and gas.

The engagement forms part of a deepening partnership aimed at connecting Namibia’s emerging industries with the knowledge, skills and technical capacity required to sustain them.

06/08/2026

Some landscapes leave a lasting impression. Namibia is one of them.

H.E. Dr Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI attended the opening of "7 Regards" at the Maison Stepman in Brussels, where Belgian photographer Marc Philippe Legein showcased a collection of photographs inspired by Namibia's breathtaking landscapes and remarkable wildlife.

The exhibition celebrates the enduring connection between art and place, demonstrating how Namibia's vast deserts, abundant wildlife and natural beauty continue to inspire creativity and tell stories that transcend borders.

The exhibition also reflects the power of cultural diplomacy to bring people and nations closer together. Through Marc Philippe Legein's lens, audiences discovered Namibia's extraordinary landscapes and wildlife, fostering a deeper appreciation of our country's natural heritage while building bridges of understanding through art.