Namibia is a country full of potential, blessed with natural resources, resilient people, and a vibrant youth population. Yet, when we cast our eyes toward the sporting arena, our nation is not performing to the level it should. Whether it is football, rugby, cricket, tennis, golf, basketball, swimming, athletics, e-sports, or even traditional games, Namibia often struggles to compete on the international stage. Does this mean we have no talented individuals? Absolutely not. Namibia is teeming with talent. The problem lies in exposure, opportunities, and platforms for nurturing these gifts. Too many Namibians die with unfulfilled potential, and too many of our youth resort to alcohol, drugs abuse, and crime simply because there is nothing constructive to keep them engaged.

This is why the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) must urgently consider establishing an Annual National Sports Tournament across all codes of sport. Such an initiative would not only revive Namibia’s sporting culture but also bring economic, social, and developmental benefits to the entire nation.

Namibia’s young people are its greatest asset, but many are falling through the cracks. Without structured activities to occupy their time, large numbers of youth drift into destructive habits. Sports have always been a powerful tool for discipline, teamwork, and character-building. By organizing an annual tournament, MEIYSAC would provide thousands of young people across the country with an avenue to channel their energy positively. 

Instead of loitering in shebeens or experimenting with drugs, they would be on the pitch, the court, the field, or even behind a gaming console competing in e-sports. Every community needs positive distractions, and structured sports competitions can do for Namibia what similar initiatives have done elsewhere reduce crime, curb substance abuse, and promote healthy lifestyles.

Namibia has already produced outstanding sports stars. Peter Shalulile has made a name for himself in South African football. We have had global stars like Frank Fredericks and Harry Simon, and Collin Benjamin (national team coach) proving that Namibians can compete at the highest levels. What we lack is systematic scouting, nurturing, and exposure. Boxer Harry Simon became a world champion representing Namibia globally. These are just a few shining examples, but how many more Shaluliles and Fredericks are out there waiting to be discovered?

An annual national tournament would bring the best talents from all 14 regions together in one arena or one sporting event, where coaches, scouts, and sports clubs could identify and nurture them. This would ensure that Namibia is no longer invisible in global sports.

Imagine Namibia sending more athletes to the Olympics, producing professional rugby and basketball players, or creating e-sport champions who compete on the world stage. Talent exists, but without structured exposure, it withers in silence.

The Namibian government has allocated N$1.3 billion to sport in the 2025/26 budget, a commitment that inspires optimism. As part of its national development goals, the government aims to expand and upgrade sporting facilities across the country, promoting youth empowerment and long-term sports development. 

The Strategic Plan highlights the importance of building essential infrastructure, including basic facilities in every region, to create a more enabling environment for athletes. However, modern stadiums, fields, and courts serve little purpose if they remain underutilized. Infrastructure without active use is a missed opportunity.

By introducing an annual tournament, these facilities would come alive. The annual sports tournament should take place once a year hosted by a single region until we finish all 14 regions to ensure inclusivity and participation. The excitement and visibility of such events would justify the government’s spending and encourage further investment in sporting infrastructure.

The initiative should kick off in the Khomas Region, starting with Windhoek the nation’s heart and administrative capital. Thanks to its strong infrastructure and accessibility, Windhoek offers the perfect foundation for launching such a landmark event. 

Afterward, the tournament could rotate annually across the other regions, guaranteeing inclusivity and equal benefits. We look to leaders such as Khomas Governor. Sam Shafixuna Nujoma to drive this vision forward in partnership with key stakeholders. This is not just a matter of policy it is about vision, determination, and a true commitment to Namibia’s youth.

Entrepreneurs would find opportunities in catering, merchandising, security, and logistics. Media houses would secure broadcasting rights, and students studying journalism could gain exposure by commentating. Sports tourism would flourish as Namibians travel across the country to support their teams. The ripple effects would be felt nationwide: more jobs, more entrepreneurship, and stronger local economies.

Sport has a unique ability to unite people across tribal, regional, and political divides. When Namibia plays internationally, we cheer together as one nation. An annual tournament would replicate this feeling locally, bringing communities together in celebration of sport and talent.

Imagine Khomas facing off against Oshana in basketball, or Zambezi clashing with Erongo in football. The pride of representing one’s region would inspire young athletes, while spectators would find joy in supporting their local heroes. This would strengthen national cohesion and foster a culture of patriotism.

In today’s digital era, sport extends far beyond traditional games. E-sports, now a multi-billion-dollar global industry, present enormous opportunities for growth. Flip de Bruyn, president of the Namibian Electronic Sports Association (NESA) and the newly announced Swapo candidate for Windhoek East in the upcoming regional and local elections, has rightly highlighted that e-sports, if properly recognized, could generate significant employment and economic opportunities in Namibia. Including e-sports in the national tournament would put Namibia on the global digital map. Gamers could compete locally before representing the nation internationally, while tech entrepreneurs and sponsors could tap into this growing market. This inclusion would also show that Namibia is forward-looking and adaptable to modern sporting trends.

While sports take centre stage, let us not forget that arts, culture, and media are equally vital. Annual music concerts, drama shows, and comedy festivals should be included in this broader vision. Our content creators, musicians, and actors also deserve national platforms to grow. After all, MEIYSAC is not only aThe same model could be applied to other creative industries music, comedy, drama, and digital content creation. 

We need more Peter Shaluliles, more Frank Fredericks, and more Harry Simons. But to produce them, we must act now. Namibia has the talent, and the potential. What we lack is the platform. MEIYSAC must take the bold step of creating this platform for all sports codes, and in doing so, it will revive not only our sporting future but also our national spirit.

*Hosea Shishiveni is a Namibian scholar and researcher.The views expressed are his own.