Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on the private sector to join forces with the government in tackling Namibia’s critical socio-economic challenges: unemployment, poverty and inequality.
“The persistent socio-economic challenges facing our country, the triple threat of unemployment, poverty and inequality, remain our greatest test since independence. Data reminds us that Namibia is among the most unequal societies in the world. These challenges not only undermine human dignity but also threaten our social cohesion and national security,” the president said.
She made these remarks at the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum (NamPPF) in Windhoek. She described the forum as a platform designed to encourage cooperation between the public and private sectors in driving economic growth.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
“This gathering is a tangible demonstration of our collective resolve to strengthen collaboration, inclusivity and trust between the public and private sectors,” the president said.
She highlighted that Namibia is abundantly endowed with natural wealth, from minerals and marine resources to arable land and a vibrant youthful population. According to her, the forum’s task is to turn the country’s wealth into well-being to ensure that the country’s natural resources translate into true economic freedom for every Namibian.
“You may recall that we recently launched the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), anchored in the theme ‘Fostering Economic Growth, Inclusiveness and Resilience for Sustainable Development.’ NDP6 maps the pathway to achieving Vision 2030, transforming Namibia into a truly industrialised and prosperous nation. Our goal is bold yet achievable: to create 500,000 jobs over the next five years. While job creation may not rest solely with government, it is our responsibility to create the environment in which businesses can grow and hire. This includes removing barriers, cutting red tape and ensuring that enterprise thrives,” she continued.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also emphasised that NDP6 calls for a focused economic transformation strategy that broadens exports, boosts productivity, and develops a skilled public service. However, she stressed that these goals require strong private sector participation.
“Government cannot achieve this alone. The story of Namibia has always been one of partnership, from the trenches of liberation to the tables of reconstruction. Our progress now depends on a shared effort between government, business, civil society and development partners,” the president said.
She emphasised that Namibia is defined by the ability to overcome adversity, highlighting the journey from the liberation struggle to nationhood as evidence of this. She added that this also proves that unity and determination can lead to significant progress.
“Let me reiterate what I have often said: as a nation with this volume of resources, we are too few to be poor. Our God-given wealth must become a mechanism for shared prosperity, not for a few, but for all, but this requires a paradigm shift. We can no longer afford to do things the same way and expect new results. Namibia’s future demands courage, innovation and action,” the president said.
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