National

Namibia recorded an increase in the value of exports during August 2021, which grew by 41.5% to N$7.1 billion, up from N$5 billion in July 2021, according to the Statistician General’s reports.

The impact of Covid-19 has been devastating on Namibian manufacturers as reduced economic activity and disrupted global supply lines wreaked havoc on the domestic capacity to produce.

After the Kavango West Regional Council entered into an agreement with Namibia Community Skills Development Foundation (Cosdef) to offer a 13-week intensive training on leather production, 25 trainee youth on this project are optimistic to bring about change in their communities after completion. 

“Growth at Home” is the theme chosen by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) to reinforce the importance of accelerating economic growth, reducing income inequality and increasing employment.

In the midst of economic hardship, we are still observing an average return towards local manufacturing and small businesses. 

The industrialisation and trade ministry recently inaugurated the Core Group that will be spearheading the implementation of the revised National Quality Policy for 2020 to 2025. 

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic as the number of deaths reached alarming proportions, Namibia was forced to import millions of dollars’ worth of coffins in a single month.

Marketing consultant and designer at Plastic Packaging Caroline Nel said Covid-19 made them stronger and seek for opportunities during difficult moments for many businesses.

The Peugeot Namibia assembly plant at Walvis Bay has to date sold only 22 vehicles, with 131 units still in stock. In addition, the plant has employed 20 locals since its inception in December 2018, with ambitions to employ at least 50 full-time employees. 

Namibia is classified as an upper-middle-income developing country, with an estimated annual GDP per capita of US$5 931 (World Bank, 2020).