The Ministry of Finance’s handling of the Payroll Deduction Management System (PDMS) highlights the complexities of reforming financial structures that directly affect government employees. The decision to discontinue payroll deductions, later postponed until February 28, 2026, underscores the importance of thorough consultation with all stakeholders before implementing such impactful changes. Decisions of this magnitude cannot...
This article challenges the conventional view of the local authority’s conundrum, which requires striking a balance between efficient grassroots governance and the delivery of basic services, hindered by obstacles such as inadequate planning and a lack of community involvement. Local authorities should recognise that, despite efforts to improve it, their current economic development strategy is...
The Cabinet approved N$257 million for the National Youth Fund (NYF) initiative, which seeks to support start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses led by young people. However, it is disheartening to learn that only 42 applications were accepted out of 13,700, even though the fund will be operational once the pilot phase is initiated. This...
In Namibia, the youth comprise more than 70% of the population and face a range of challenges, such as high rates of unemployment and limited access to quality education. To tackle this problem, the Namibian government has set aside N$257 million to support youth entrepreneurship. It is essential to understand that youth entrepreneurship in Namibia...
Interestingly, the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference displayed a high degree of concentration risk, which could harm Namibia’s economy due to its reliance on oil and gas. This is undesirable because it makes it difficult to track the performance of other economic sectors. To encourage the necessary investments and build long-term resilience at this crucial...
It is very concerning that the Namibian government and its ministers find State-owned enterprises (SOEs) appealing, even though they cost the taxpayer millions of dollars. It is undeniable that some SOEs contribute to market failures, which eventually affect macroeconomic variables, as proven by current proceedings in Namibia’s distinct competent courts. Therefore, the SOEs were founded...
Namibia is one of Africa’s most resource-rich countries in terms of both people and minerals. Namibia’s position, in my opinion, can be improved by changing the people’s mindset, which is characterized by a high level of dependency, as well as the leadership at various levels, which is dominated by a diverse group of people who...
The Namibian government relies heavily on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to drive competitiveness and inclusive growth. Closing the finance gap for MSMEs is crucial for improving productivity, fostering long-term growth, and creating better jobs. The potential of MSMEs to create a livelihood makes them vital for improving household quality of life and reducing...
The brave move by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to curb raw material exports and encourage potential investors to contemplate value-addition to increase national income and create jobs for the public is commendable. Namibia requires synergy from both domestic businesses and foreign investors to industrialise, given its natural resources as well as the wealth and experience of...
Namibia will be susceptible to this financial contagion in the short to medium-term, but I disagree with the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Namibia’s assessment that tariffs will have little immediate effect on GDP. It is critical to recognise that Namibia’s economy is comparatively small, and a reduction in revenue from international...