Africa-Press – Namibia. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has commended Namport for heeding a call by the government and, through the Namport Social Investment Fund (NSIF), investing in the development and empowerment of Namibia’s youth across all 14 regions.
During a gala dinner on Friday, Namport confirmed a contribution of N$5 million to the NSIF.
Namibia’s eighth administration, under the leadership of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has established a number of key priorities, amongst which is youth empowerment that is fundamental in the nation’s drive to eradicate poverty and ultimately, the attainment of sustainability.
“Our President, Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has articulated in her vision that ‘We are too few to be poor,’ and this is a powerful declaration that encapsulates our national aspirations. It is a call to pragmatism, a call for action, and a call to make a difference by contributing towards the realisation of a Namibia where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Ngurare on Friday during the NSIF gala dinner in Windhoek. Key imperatives for the realisation of the President’s vision include youth empowerment, employment creation, poverty eradication and the efficient utilisation of national resources towards building long-term sustainability.
“I am, therefore, pleased by the very positive and practical step taken here tonight by Namport and the NSIF towards the empowerment of youth and the capacitation of the Youth Empowerment Fund. As the common adages say, ‘the youth are the architects of tomorrow’s world, and empowered youth are the catalysts for positive change’. We must be purposeful as we focus on the development of our youth and the infusion of the entrepreneurial zeal in our learners, for therein lies our future as a nation,” Ngurare added.
The Prime Minister called on trustees of the Youth Empowerment Fund to diligently, productively and efficiently put to use funds availed by the NSIF and other institutions towards the development of the country’s youth.
“Your commitment to CSI (corporate social investment) has been exemplary, reaching all fourteen regions of our country and touching countless lives and driving positive change. Your efforts are in perfect alignment with the government’s priorities and positively contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Namibia,” said Ngurare.
The mandate of Namport’s Social Investment Fund includes the pillars of education and skills development, entrepreneurship and job creation, which Ngurare said resonates with youth empowerment as well as community health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability and marine conservation.
During the keynote address on Friday, Ngurare noted that corporate social investment is not merely a philanthropic endeavour but rather a strategic imperative.
“CSI initiatives create a ripple effect, empowering communities, stimulating economic growth, and fostering social cohesion. By supporting education, we equip our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. By investing in healthcare, we ensure that our citizens have access to essential services. By promoting entrepreneurship, we create jobs and drive innovation. CSI is a critical component of our national development strategy, and we appreciate all organisations that recognise its importance and actively participate in it,” Ngurare commended.
At the same event, Namport CEO Andrew Kanime, explained that Namport’s corporate social investment programmes are aligned to both national and international strategic imperatives such as the Swapo manifesto, Namibia’s Vision 2030, Namibia’s sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To date, the NSIF has allocated in excess of N$78 million across all 14 regions, with more than N$58.2 million having already been disbursed.
Kanime elaborated that the NSIF is now guided by a refreshed corporate social investment strategy, designed to respond to current challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
“They represent our response to our government’s urgent call for systemic interventions in youth unemployment, skills development, equitable access to healthcare, and building climate change resilience,” said Kanime.
Previously and until 2024, Namport’s Corporate Social Investment Policy provided for the allocation of 3% of profits before tax towards the NSIF, which on average amounted to about N$3 million per annum. The drawback of this approach was that meaningful investment in corporate social responsibility was only possible in years of greater profit. Since the review of the strategy, Namport has decided that as of this year, one per cent of total revenue will be directed towards CSI initiatives. Based on the budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, Namport has allocated N$19 million towards CSI.
Meanwhile, during the vote of thanks at Friday’s event, trustee of the NSIF, Uajorokisa Karuaihe, noted the fund is celebrating 19 years of impactful CSI contributions since its inception in 2006. She attributed the fund’s success to the dedicated leadership and vision of distinguished individuals guiding the Namport mission.
“The NSIF’s work aligns with Namport’s broader commitment to social responsibility, aiming to foster sustainable development and improve livelihoods within the communities it serves. Tonight’s celebration underscored the importance of collaborative leadership in achieving significant social impact, highlighting how consistent dedication from all stakeholders over the years has enabled the NSIF to effectively address various community needs throughout Namibia,” said Karuaihe.
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