By Puyeipawa Nakashole
Copyright namibian
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia’s natural wealth and small population should make poverty unacceptable and that her administration is determined to translate resources into shared prosperity.
She was speaking at a high-level panel discussion titled ‘The Big Push: Africa’s Time to Shape the Markets’ in New York this week.
The president said Namibia’s economic transformation hinges on youth empowerment and effective use of the country’s resources.
“Namibia is a country with natural resources, and I keep reminding Namibians that we are just too few to be poor.
If we work together and if everybody is committed, we will be able to make use of those resources so that the rich become richer, while the poor are also able to sustain themselves,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that creating jobs for young people will boost purchasing power and stimulate local business growth.
She said over 75% of Namibia’s population is under 35, and youth unemployment remains one of the country’s biggest challenges.
She also highlighted infrastructure investments such as the Walvis Bay port and Namibia’s well-ranked road network, along with policy reforms to streamline investment procedures as part of her government’s strategy to attract investors.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further pointed to emerging industries like oil and renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen, as opportunities to drive inclusive growth while contributing to global decarbonisation efforts.
“We are saying Namibia is open for investment, as long as it is based on partnership and respects the laws of the republic of Namibia,” she added.
She said Namibia is reviewing its investment law to streamline processes and provide a single framework for all investors while also cutting red tape in company registration, work permits and visas.
“As part of skills development and technology transfer, we say it is important to invest in Namibians. If there is a skill not available locally, investors can bring in expertise but such skills must be transferred in the process.”
She said: “Of late, Namibia has been talked about for green hydrogen, but basically it means a green industry to contribute to decarbonisation.
We have not contributed much to emissions, but since we have resources like the sun, wind and waves, we are inviting investment in those sectors.”
“We must ensure the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement is carried forward with vigour and determination to bring about shared, balanced prosperity for all,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
