Continued efforts to strengthen Namibia's diplomatic presence are set to advance, with one country expected to open an embassy in Namibia in the coming weeks.

The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, revealed this during her motivation of a budget of N$1.36 billion to the ministry.

The bulk of the funding is directed towards operational activities.

Presenting the budget, Ashipala-Musavyi indicated that 16% is allocated to development programmes, aimed at advancing the ministry's strategic objectives.

"A total of N$24,956,118 has been allocated to bilateral cooperation. With regard to multilateral relations, 9% has been allocated to this programme. In the coming financial year, Namibia will continue to participate actively in major multilateral processes to ensure that policies that are adopted at the international level are advantageous to Namibia and do not undermine our priorities and national interests."

On international trade and investment promotion, 10% of the allocation has been designated.

"Our focus will be on enhancing our international trade through diversification and the low market access potential offered by AfCFTA and enhancing its position in the African trading landscape. We will prioritise key sectors such as agriculture, mining, renewable energy and logistics, as well as trade in services, particularly tourism, business services, financial and creative industries. With regard to the mission, 69.5% is allocated to the commissions. While Protocol will receive N$22,058,207."

For policy coordination and support services, over N$110 million has been allocated to enhance administrative and coordination functions within the ministry.

Ashipala-Musavyi also informed the house that the Namibia Investment Promotion Bill and the Trade Management Bill are currently at an advanced drafting stage and have undergone public consultations.