As 2024 draws to a close, Namibia’s economic outlook demonstrates tenacity in the face of adversity. This year brought to light the challenges of restoring stability in a world that is changing quickly, from the Bank of Namibia navigating rate cuts, to an imbalanced economic recovery and a reassessment of oil discovery, green hydrogen and...
As an independent economic and business researcher and board member of the African Council on Foreign Relations, I would like to celebrate Namibian history by extending my heartfelt congratulations to H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first female president-in-waiting and, therefore, first female president of SADC. One must be familiar with Iceland’s first female president, Vigdís Finnbogadottir,...
As an independent economic and business researcher, a board member of the African Council on Foreign Relations, a Pan-African think tank on economic affairs and a Namibian, let me start by wishing Namibians a peaceful election on 27 November when they will exercise their democratic rights. In a democracy, the redistribution of political power during...
The Chinese embassy in Namibia nominated me to attend a seminar on Chinese Modernisation and African Development, which took place in the East China province of Anhui from 29 October to 6 November 2024. China’s successes in its modernisation At this pivotal moment, the world community is confronted with opposing viewpoints on modernisation, development and...
As Namibia entered a democratic state in 1990, the constitution raised hopes for an inclusive society that would include people with disabilities by promising a better life for all Namibians. The law, ratified by 188 nations, including Namibia, was endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2006 and now acts as a reference point for...
Namibia continues to have historically low levels of development, but it can industrialise, pursue inclusive growth, and draw in investment by utilisingtechnological advancements. Namibia intends to licence Starlink’s operations to become known as a country that has fully grasped the potential of technical advancement to improve its citizens’ lives and stimulate its economy. Starlink’s website...
The China-Africa Summit, held from 4 to 6 September, under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”, was attended by 53 Heads of state and government. Furthermore, China announced a US$51 billion support package to Africa over the next three years. This comprises investments in...
It is not surprising that the BRICS+ formation will usher in a new economic order if the group of seven (G7) does not pull up its socks, as thegroup’s expansion presents new economic opportunities for developing countries. There is no doubt that the establishment of the BRICS (originally Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa)...
Energy security demands a reduction in reliance on imported fossil fuels, as everyone braces for the potential of an impending energy apocalypse. Namibia must prioritise building a nuclear power plant reactor if it wants to surpass its current position, and become a leader in energy self-sufficiency. The most cost-effective way for Namibia to boost energy...
To attain Vision 2030, Namibia will need to adopt structural reforms that will increase economic growth, facilitate more labour-intensive growth by opening up the labour market, and address an expensive and generally ineffective system of education, training and skills. The government should support businesses in the manufacturing, construction, and agriculture sectors, among others, paying attention...