The call for youth inclusion has been echoed in all corners of the country, and 24-year-old award-winning energy researcher Shepherd Nyambe has answered it by throwing his name into the political ring for the upcoming 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections, scheduled for 26 November.

The political enthusiast will be contesting as an independent candidate in the Zambezi region. Nyambe, who grew up in Shack Dweller, an informal settlement in Katima Mulilo, was raised by his grandmother, a street vendor who supported more than fifteen children from her small business. 

His humble beginnings inspired his passion to combat poverty and enhance the living conditions of local people.

When asked what motivated him to join politics, Nyambe said his life experiences influenced his decision.

“Growing up, I saw how people struggled with poverty, unemployment, and poor service delivery. These challenges shaped my vision to create change. I chose to run as an independent candidate because I believe development should not depend on party colours, but on competence, accountability, and service to the people,” he said.

He believes that being independent will allow him to work freely with all groups and focus on real progress for his community.

Politics

“Politics is the only legitimate way to transform society on a large scale. I have worked in research and youth development, but I realised that research alone cannot change lives unless it becomes policy. My goal is to bring science, ethics, and evidence-based decision-making into governance,” said the young politician.

“My decision to enter politics is a continuation of my service journey; to bring science, ethics, and evidence-based decision-making into governance. It’s
about transforming ideas into action and ensuring that leadership once again becomes about people, not positions, he said.” He decided to run for office this year because it felt like the right time, and the future belongs to those who are willing to act today.

“I have spent over a decade contributing to Namibia’s development through research and innovation, focusing on health, energy, and sustainability. However, I have come to understand that if we want real transformation, technical solutions must meet political will,” he said.

At this stage of his career, he has both the knowledge and the courage to influence systems that directly affect people’s lives. Contesting now allows him to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and local development, making policies work for ordinary citizens.

“Five key pillars from my manifesto guide my plan. First, we will open Katima Mulilo for industrialisation and business expansion by strengthening collaboration between the government and the private sector. This will stimulate investment, create jobs, and expand the local tax base,” he said.

Promises 

According to Nyambe,he will advocate for policy reforms that reflect community realities, including improvements in land allocation, infrastructure, and health services, such as upgrading Katima Mulilo State Hospital to an intermediate facility by 2028.

Furthermore, he will establish a strong stakeholder forum that brings together civil society, traditional authorities, businesses, faith-based organisations, and youth groups to jointly plan the constituency’s development. Nyambe also plans to protect and empower informal traders through fair by-laws that create a business-enabling environment instead of punishing livelihoods. 

Moreover, he will focus on youth empowerment through skills training, SME development, sports, and culture, anchored by the construction of a youth campus that provides creative and professional opportunities.

“Energy is indeed a national issue, but every national solution begins locally. At the constituency level, I will promote localised renewable energy initiatives, including solar-powered water systems, biomass conversion, and household PV installations to reduce dependency on imported electricity,” shared Nyambe.

Entering the political space as one of the youngest politicians, Nyambe believes leadership is not about age; it is about ideas, integrity, and impact.  His journey from the dusty streets of Shack Dweller to being recognised as a national innovator and youth leader has prepared him to serve with humility and competence, he said.

“To win the trust of voters, I am relying on authentic engagement, door-to-door conversations, community meetings, and inclusive consultations. People trust what they can see and feel, and my story is their story. I represent the aspirations of a generation that wants progress without division, and I believe the people of Katima Mulilo Urban are ready for that kind of leadership,” he said. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na