Date of publication: May 14, 2018
Sophia-Namupa Nangombe
- Ambassador
- Embassy of the Republic of Namibia namibiatokyo.or.jp
Date of birth: July 7, 1954
Hometown: Ondangwa, Namibia
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 4 (as of April 2018)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
Arriving at both Narita International Airport and Tokyo as the first ambassador of Namibia to Japan was very exciting. The extraordinarily immaculate dress, politeness and efficiency during interactions were notable as well. Though Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek is considered to be one of the cleanest in Africa, everywhere I looked in Narita was so spotlessly clean and well-organized. The calmness and serenity of everything during my arrival left such a positive deep impression of Japanese culture, which I continue to admire in the four years that I am here.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
My guiding principle has been to represent my country abroad in different countries, which would give me the opportunity to experience different cultures. It is even more important to learn the success stories of development and understand what were the contributing factors, as well as learn from the failings of development so that Namibia does not repeat the same mistakes.
To date my motto has taken me to the United Nations, Zimbabwe, the Benelux Union (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), the European Union, India and now Japan where I am privileged to serve my country as the first ambassador of Namibia.
To date my motto has taken me to the United Nations, Zimbabwe, the Benelux Union (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), the European Union, India and now Japan where I am privileged to serve my country as the first ambassador of Namibia.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
I am honored to serve my beloved country of Namibia in Japan, a country considered to be the technological capital of the world and a classic example of development. I am also proud to have the opportunity to be able to engage Japan in order to support Namibia in human resource development.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
My goal is to ensure that Namibia enters into an agreement with Japan in order to process the country’s minerals and other raw materials into finished products. As ambassador of a country very rich in resources such as diamonds, silver, tungsten, lead, zinc, tin, uranium and copper, I believe that industrially capable Japan can process these minerals into finished products. My other goal is to learn from Japan’s resilience and development in order to advise possibilities for Namibia.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
I would say that Japan’s distinct and unique culture, fascinating history, serene and beautiful landscapes and towns, as well as the most efficient public transport system in the world offer a rare opportunity to experience a completely different way of life. But perhaps the best advice I can give is that Japan is a wonderful, safe and unique country to live, so take advantage and enjoy your stay in Japan.
Last updated: May 14, 2018