Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Washington, D.C.

This week, H.E Ambassador Wilbard Hellao joined Hon. Gaudentia Kröhne, Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia, in leading the Namibian delegation at the JCK Jewelry and Gem Show 2026 in Las Vegas, held from 28 May to 1 June 2026.

The delegation brought together key stakeholders from across Namibia’s diamond value chain under the “Desert Origin to Ethical Diamond” banner, an initiative spearheaded by the Diamond Board of Namibia.

Namibia’s participation showcased the country as a natural source of high-quality diamonds, a world-class tourism destination, and a globally competitive, ethically governed diamond-producing nation whose diamond revenues make a significant contribution to social and economic development.

Through compelling storytelling and presentations, Namibia generated strong interest among industry participants, particularly given that approximately 60% of the country’s diamonds are sold in the United States market.

Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy - MIME Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-Namibia

Namibia will be showcasing at the
JCK JEWELRY AND GEM SHOW 2026, LAS VEGAS USA, the world’s largest and most trusted jewelry industry trade.

NAMIBIA SESSION - 30 MAY 2026
event.

Venue: Room 101, Venetian

https://lasvegas.jckonline.com/en-us.html

Message by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia on the Occasion of Genocide Remembrance Day 28 May 2026

As Namibians commemorate Genocide Remembrance Day today, we pause to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history and honour the memory of the thousands of innocent Ovaherero and Nama lives lost during the 1904–1908 Genocide.
We also honour the courage and resistance of those who stood against colonial oppression and injustice at a time when the survival and dignity of our people were under attack.

The events of that period were not isolated from the broader story of our nation. They formed part of the foundation upon which the spirit of resistance and national consciousness was built, ultimately inspiring future generations in the long struggle for freedom and independence.

Genocide Remembrance Day is therefore not only important for the affected Ovaherero and Nama communities, but for all Namibians. It is a national day of remembrance, reflection, and learning, particularly for the younger generation, who must continue to understand the painful history that shaped our country and the sacrifices that were made for the Namibia we know today.

Above all, this day should serve as a moment for us as Namibians to set aside our differences and pay homage to those who suffered and perished during this painful period of our history. Their sacrifice and resistance became part of the foundation upon which our nation was built. As such, this occasion must continue to unite us around our shared history, shared humanity, and shared responsibility to preserve the truth of what transpired.

As communities across various regions host commemorative events and activities, I encourage Namibians to participate in these engagements in a spirit of respect, unity, reflection, and national solidarity. While we remain cognizant of the sensitivity surrounding this painful chapter in our history, we must also recognize that every Namibian has the right to honour and pay tribute to those who perished during the Genocide. Their memory and sacrifice form part of our collective national heritage and consciousness.

The pain and impact of the Genocide continue to be felt generations later. As a nation, we therefore remain committed to ensuring that the atrocities committed against the Ovaherero and Nama people receive the same recognition, historical acknowledgement, and moral attention accorded to genocides and crimes against humanity committed elsewhere in the world. In doing so, we reaffirm the importance of historical truth, justice, healing, and reparations as part of the broader process of reconciliation and closure.

Hence, our Government, together with the affected communities, will continue to engage the Federal Republic of Germany until the matter of the Genocide, apology, and reparations is brought to a just and meaningful conclusion.

As a nation, we must continue to protect and preserve our history. We must tell our own stories, document our experiences, and ensure that future generations never lose sight of the suffering, resilience, and sacrifice of those who came before us.
May Genocide Remembrance Day continue to strengthen our collective commitment to peace, unity, human dignity, and nation-building.

Message by Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, on the Occasion of Africa Day Commemoration, 25 May 2026

Today, as Namibia joins the rest of the African continent and the global African family in commemorating Africa Day, we do so with profound pride, reflection, and renewed determination.

Africa Day is not merely a date on the calendar. It is a living reminder of the sacrifices, vision, courage, and solidarity of the men and women who believed that Africa’s destiny could only be secured through unity and collective action.

Long before the African Union became the continental body we know today, the founding fathers of Africa’s liberation movements understood one fundamental truth: that the freedom of one African nation would remain incomplete while others remained under colonial rule and oppression.

When Ghana attained independence in 1957, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah famously declared that Ghana’s independence was meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of the African continent. It was this spirit of Pan African solidarity and shared destiny that inspired African leaders and liberation movements to gather in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 1963, to establish the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union.

They understood that Africa’s challenges could never be defeated in isolation, and that the prosperity of our continent would depend on our ability to stand together as one people with a common purpose.

Today, more than six decades later, that message remains as relevant and urgent as ever.

We commemorate Africa Day at a time when the world is confronted by increasing geopolitical uncertainty, economic disruptions, climate change, public health threats, conflict, and growing pressure on developing economies. These global realities continue to expose the vulnerabilities of nations that remain overly dependent on external systems and external solutions.

In these trying times, Africa is once again reminded that now more than ever, Africa needs Africa.

Our continent possesses immense natural resources, youthful energy, indigenous knowledge, and human potential. Yet our greatest strength remains our unity, our resilience, and our collective determination to shape our own future.

As Africans, we must continue to look within for African solutions to African challenges. We must strengthen regional cooperation, deepen intra African trade, invest in our own institutions, support innovation, and work together to ensure that the wealth and resources of our continent uplift the lives of our people.

The African Continental Free Trade Area further presents our continent with a historic opportunity to deepen economic integration, strengthen intra African trade, improve regional value chains, and reduce overdependence on external markets. Through greater interconnection and cooperation, Africa can unlock shared prosperity and position itself more competitively within the global economy.

The current Ebola outbreak in parts of our continent further serves as a sobering reminder that disease knows no borders. It reinforces the urgent need for stronger public health systems, coordinated continental responses, and greater investment in clean water and sanitation, which remain the foundation of healthy and resilient societies.

It is against this backdrop that this year’s Africa Day theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” becomes both timely and deeply significant.

The theme reminds us that water and sanitation are not merely development goals, but fundamental pillars of human dignity, public health, economic growth, environmental sustainability, peace, and social stability.

Without access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation, there can be no meaningful progress in healthcare, education, food security, industrial development, or the overall wellbeing of our people.

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions an Africa that is prosperous, inclusive, self reliant, and driven by its own citizens. Achieving that vision requires us to invest deliberately in the basic needs that sustain life and empower communities.

In Namibia, Government remains committed to improving access to potable water and sanitation facilities as part of our broader national development agenda under NDP 6.

However, Government alone cannot achieve these goals.

The responsibility to protect and preserve our water resources belongs to all of us. As citizens, communities, businesses, and institutions, we must embrace responsible environmental practices and work together to safeguard one of our continent’s most precious resources for future generations.

As we celebrate Africa Day, let us also challenge ourselves to build the Africa we want: an Africa that is peaceful, prosperous, united, self reliant, and driven by its own people.

Let us draw inspiration from the courage and foresight of those who came before us. Let us strengthen the bonds of solidarity among African nations and recommit ourselves to the ideals of unity, dignity, justice, and shared prosperity.

Namibia remains a proud child of international solidarity, and we equally remain committed to contributing toward a stronger, more resilient, and more self determined African continent.

Together, as Africans, we can overcome the challenges before us and unlock the immense promise of our continent.

Happy Africa Day.

May the African Union continue to prosper.

May the spirit of African unity endure for generations to come.

Today, Ambassador Wilbard Hellao was pleased to welcome Mr. Audley Kano Smith, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Namibia for the State of Michigan, to the Embassy.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on how the State of Michigan can complement the priority areas of Namibia’s 8th administration.

Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-NamibiaEmbassy of the Republic of Namibia in Washington, D.C.

Today, H.E. Wilbard Hellao, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to the United States of America, signed the Book of Condolence opened in honour of the late H.E. Dr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae, former President of the Republic of Botswana, at the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana in Washington D.C.

On 11 May 2026, H.E. Ambassador Wilbard Hellao paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Michael Froman, President of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

During the engagement, Ambassador Hellao thanked Ambassador Froman for the longstanding relationship between the Embassy and the CFR, and expressed Namibia’s appreciation for the Council’s role as a leading convener shaping global policy dialogue and thought leadership. The Ambassador further conveyed Namibia’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and constructive engagement with the CFR on issues of mutual interest.

Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-Namibia Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Washington, D.C.