Switzerland and Namibia
Two countries joined by more than a century of people, science and diplomacy. The club knows the missions, keeps the calendar of both nations and brings their institutions together.
Where each country is represented
Embassy of Switzerland in Pretoria
Ambassador: Mirko Manzoni. The competent office for the Swiss in Namibia: passports, registration, civil status.
- Phone
- +27 12 452 06 60
- Phone
- +27 12 452 06 61
- pretoria@eda.admin.ch
- southernafrica@eda.admin.ch
Honorary Consulate General of Switzerland in Windhoek
Urs Gamma, Honorary Consul General. By appointment. Please write to the Swiss Desk first: it refers to his office whatever only that office can do.
- windhoek@honrep.ch
- Consular hours
- By appointment
Namibia in Switzerland
The Permanent Mission of Namibia in Geneva, which is also Namibia's embassy to Switzerland. Ambassador-designate: Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati.
- Phone
- +41 22 733 02 20
- info@missionofnamibia.ch
- Address
- Allée David-Morse 8, 1202 Genève
- Consular hours
- Mon–Thu 09:30–12:30, 14:30–16:30
- Web
- missionofnamibia.ch
Namibia’s goals, and our part in them
Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), launched in July 2025, sets the country’s course to 2030: economic growth, human development, environmental sustainability and good governance. As a Swiss association at home in Namibia, the Club supports these goals in the way a club can: through people, knowledge and connections.
Growth and investment
The Business & Trade forum brings Swiss and Namibian enterprises together and points investors to the right public offices.
Skills and young people
Through the Young Generation and Science & Education forums, experienced members pass on their skills to young Namibians, and young members find their way into study and work. Skills travel both ways: Swiss professionals, retirees and young people also come to Namibia to work, teach and train.
Tourism and exchange
The Tourism & Travel forum and the Club’s travel packs help bring Swiss visitors to Namibia, and Namibians to Switzerland.
Neutral in politics and religion, the Club works alongside Namibia’s institutions and the Swiss representations, never in their place.
Two countries, measured
Non-stop with Edelweiss since 1 June 2026.
None in the Swiss summer; one hour in the Swiss winter.
Switzerland recognised Namibia on the day of its independence, 21 March.
The EFTA–SACU Free Trade Agreement has been in force since 2008.
Founded in Windhoek on 16 April 1969.
The days both countries keep
National days, regional days and the Swiss votes. The club marks them, and welcomes both communities when it does.
Namibia became independent in 1990.
The club was founded in Windhoek in 1969.
The founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.
The Bundesfeier and the federal charter of 1291.
The SADC Treaty was signed in Windhoek in 1992.
A public holiday in Namibia.
The Swiss abroad vote too.
A public holiday in Namibia; Geneva is home to the UN Human Rights Council.
Moments in the relationship
Hans Schinz
The Zurich botanist joins the Lüderitz expedition and later directs the Zurich botanic garden.
Basler Afrika Bibliographien
Carl Schlettwein, who had lived in South West Africa, founds the library and archive in Basel.
The Geneva talks
Namibia's independence is negotiated in Geneva.
The Swiss Medical Unit
Switzerland's first army mission with the United Nations serves in Namibia, with clinics in Windhoek, Grootfontein, Oshakati and Rundu.
Recognition
Switzerland recognises Namibia on Independence Day, 21 March.
From Pretoria
The Consulate General in Windhoek closes; the Embassy in Pretoria serves Namibia from then on.
Free trade
The EFTA–SACU free trade agreement comes into force.
Basel and UNAM
The University of Basel and the University of Namibia sign an exchange agreement.
Zurich – Windhoek
Edelweiss opens the first direct flight between the two countries on 1 June.
Education and science
Trade and business
Write to the club
For embassies, ministries, companies and institutions. Tell us who you are and what you have in mind, and the committee will reply.
The club is politically and religiously neutral, as its statutes require.
