An analysis of the implications of the Russia Ukraine war for Namibia’s economic security
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
Geopolitical conflicts have a negative impact not only on the countries in conflict but also
on global peace and stability. This study aimed to analyse the implications of the RussiaUkraine War for Namibia’s economic security. The research utilised qualitative methods,
specifically interviews and document analysis, as its primary instruments. Respondents
were drawn from: the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation; the Ministry
of Finance; the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs; the Ministry of Industrialisation
and Trade; and the National Planning Commission of Namibia. A total of 20 respondents
participated in the study, engaging in semi-structured interviews that allowed for in-depth
exploration of their perspectives.
The study was guided by the main research question: What are the main economic security
implications of the Russia-Ukraine War for Namibia? Secondary research questions
included: To what extent does the disruption of the global supply chain, because of the
war, affect the Namibian economy? To what extent does the conflict impact Namibia’s
exports to Ukraine and Russia? How can Namibia manage economic security threats
posed by the Russia-Ukraine War?
The findings reveal that the Russia-Ukraine War compromised Namibia’s economic
security by contributing to local commodity price increases and affecting local food
production due to shortages of fertilizers that were traditionally sourced from Russia.
Disruptions in the global supply chain significantly impacted Namibia, necessitating the
search for alternative routes for exports and imports. The study identified diversification
and the promotion of local production as effective strategies for the Namibian Government
to manage the economic threats posed by the Russia-Ukraine War
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Security and Strategic Studies)
Keywords
Economic security, Russia-Ukraine War, Geopolitical conflicts, Namibia, University of Namibia