Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will let Namibian politician Samuel Nuuyoma name their new baby, according to the latest US reports.

Nuuyoma, the Governor of the country's Erongo region, has become a close personal friend of the couple and was among those who arranged for the movie stars to find a safe haven in Africa as they prepared for the impending birth of their first child together.

According to American publication In Touch, Nuuyoma will stage a news conference on Friday to announce his part in the christening. The announcement has prompted many to believe Jolie has already given birth.

A Namibian official tells In Touch, "It's true. This is a great honour for Namibia and everyone is very excited."

The source explains that local custom will prompt Nuuyoma to visit Jolie when she goes into labour and officially name the baby.