Embassy of Namibia - Belgium

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.

03/08/2026

Remembering H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob | 3 August- On what would have been his 85th birthday, the Embassy of Namibia in Brussels reflects on the life and legacy of Namibia’s third President, H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob.

President Geingob’s leadership was defined by his ability to connect with people, from the streets of Namibia to international platforms. Carrying with him a distinctive blend of intellectual conviction, optimism and a deep belief in the potential of the Namibian people.

His signature call of “Harambee!” embodied his message of collective effort and national unity, while his spirited “Omake!” captured the energy and enthusiasm with which he engaged communities across the country. Beyond the slogans, he championed economic transformation, investment, industrialisation and Namibia’s active participation in global affairs.

Today, we remember a statesman who shaped Namibia’s modern development journey, strengthened its voice on the global stage and left behind a legacy of service, dialogue and nation-building.

Harambee: together we honour his memory and continue the work of building Namibia.

03/08/2026

Strengthening Namibia–WCO Cooperation | H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI , held a meeting with Mr. Ian SAUNDERS, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), at the Organisation’s headquarters in Brussels.

During the meeting, Ambassador HENGARI expressed Namibia’s appreciation for the WCO’s longstanding partnership and its continued support through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives and professional development programmes that have strengthened the capabilities of Namibian customs officials and contributed to the modernisation of the country’s customs administration.

The discussions also explored opportunities to further strengthen Namibia’s engagement with the WCO, including enhancing the country’s contribution to regional initiatives in customs risk management, post clearance management and trade facilitation.

The engagement reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to international customs cooperation and to advancing modern, resilient and technology-driven customs administrations that facilitate legitimate trade, protect society and support sustainable economic growth.

31/07/2026

NAMIBIA-SOUTH AFRICA BILATERAL RELATIONS - Working together in Europe| H.E. Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo HENGARI met with H.E. Dr. Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Kingdom of Belgium, for a consultative meeting at the Embassy of Namibia in Brussels.

Ambassador Hengari underscored the importance of deeper collaboration between SADC and SACU member states Missions in Brussels to advance the regional interests of Southern Africa. Following the 4th Bi-National Commission helmed by H.E. President Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH and H.E. President Cyril M. RAMAPHOSA in July 2026, Ambassador HENGARI said that the decisions and conclusions of the BNC called for closer alignment and implementation, including through the two Embassies in Brussels. “We need to give practical expressions to the 147 decisions”, Ambassador HENGARI said.

The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and partnership between Namibia and South Africa, with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, regional integration, the diamond sector, green industrialisation, and engagement with the Benelux and the European Union.