Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic relations with Angola following the appointment of Ambassador Leonard N. Iipumbu as the country’s new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Angola.
Ambassador Iipumbu, a veteran diplomat and seasoned public servant, brings over three decades of experience in international relations, governance, and public administration. His distinguished career has been marked by significant contributions to advancing Namibia’s foreign policy and promoting the nation’s interests on the global stage.
Throughout his diplomatic journey, Ambassador Iipumbu has represented Namibia in several key postings, including as Ambassador to the United States of America with concurrent accreditation to Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. He also served as Namibia’s Ambassador to France, with additional responsibilities for Italy, Portugal, and Spain, while acting as the country’s Delegate to UNESCO. More recently, he held the position of State Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, where he coordinated numerous high-level international engagements.
A scholar and freedom fighter, Ambassador Iipumbu holds a Master’s Degree in International Services from the American University in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Financial Management from the Institut Supérieur de Gestion (ISG) in Paris. His dedication to Namibia’s independence dates back to his time as a combatant in the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and as the SWAPO Party’s Chief Representative in Zambia, Botswana, and the People’s Republic of Congo.
In his new role, Ambassador Iipumbu is expected to further strengthen the historic partnership between Namibia and Angola—two nations bound by deep cultural ties and a shared liberation struggle. His mission will focus on expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, infrastructure development, and regional security, in line with Namibia’s commitment to regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah extended her congratulations to Ambassador Iipumbu, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience and diplomatic acumen will contribute meaningfully to enhancing Namibia–Angola relations and promoting shared prosperity in the region.
