Africa-Press – Namibia.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said a thriving, agile and resilient economy requires a compatible public service.
Speaking at the opening of the inaugural two-day Namibia Public Sector Innovation Conference in Windhoek, Ngurare said that economic transformation cannot occur without institutional transformation.
“It requires rapid transformation in government operations in line with Vision 2030 and NDP6, which prioritises economic diversification, youth employment, digital transformation, effective governance and a reformed public service,” he said.
Ngurare said the conference signals that Namibia is committed to building a public service that is efficient, digitally enabled, citizen-centred and performance-driven.
“Our nation is indeed entering a decisive phase — one that demands faster economic growth, expanded employment opportunities, enhanced service delivery – both in quality and in speed, and greater accountability in the use of public resources. Achieving these priorities requires more than incremental reform.
Public sector innovation is therefore not separate from economic development — it is central to it,” he added.
The event features keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakaway sessions, inter-alia, focusing on introducing design thinking and human-centred design, one-stop-shop models, exchange of local, regional and in?ternational best practices in public sector innovation.
“This conference is not merely an event; it is a strategic platform to embed innovation into the culture and systems of our public service,” said the Executive Director in the Office of the Prime Minister, Gladice Pickering.
The public sector innovation policy
Public Sector Innovation Policy laid the framework for structured and sustainable reform.
Despite recognising the importance for the State to continuously adapt, learn and improve, the prime minister stated that policies do not implement themselves as that responsibility lies with all leaders, managers and public servants to ensure that innovation is embedded in everyday practice.
“Innovation committees in offices, ministries and agencies must be functional. Innovation champions must be empowered. Institutional performance systems must reward creativity, collaboration and measurable results.
Let this conference mark the beginning of sustained, inclusive and measurable transformation. Let us build a public service that not only administers policy, but shapes opportunity. Let us create institutions that are adaptive, ethical and responsive to the needs of every Namibian,” he noted.
Background
The inaugural Public Sector Innovation Conference features participation from key partners, including the University of Namibia, the Namibia University of Science and Technology , the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, the Centre for Public Service Innovation in South Africa, Huduma Kenya and the Modern Ethiopia Services for Organised Benefits Centre.
Exhibitions showcasing successful innovation models will also be on display.
Held under the theme: “Innovating the Public Sector – From Policy to Practice”, the two-day conference concludes today.
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