As the clock ticks, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says she is expecting a full report from the government’s economic taskforce by the end of March, which will guide key decisions for the upcoming financial year starting in April.

Speaking during an agenda-setting interview on the Namibian Sun platform over the weekend, the President said the report will play an important role in shaping government programmes aimed at economic recovery and growth.

“The taskforce on economic recovery has started, and I am now expecting their full report by the end of this month. When we are going to start the new financial year, we will be guided in our programmes as to what the recommendations are coming from this taskforce,” she said. The Economic Recovery Task Force was established late last year as part of government efforts to revive the economy, unemployment and rising cost of living. It is one of three presidential taskforces created alongside those focusing on health and housing.

A total of 54 members were initially appointed across the three taskforces, with the Economic Recovery Task Force consisting of 18 members drawn from government, private sector and other stakeholders.

The initiative was born out of the Namibia Public-Private Forum, aimed at creating a platform where government and business leaders can jointly find solutions to national challenges.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said what makes the economic taskforce unique is the strong involvement of the private sector, with members offering their services voluntarily.

“The taskforce is mostly made up by the private sector… they feel inspired, they feel motivated, and they are providing this service free of charge.  They are not asking any payment from the government, and that is how we are seeing voluntarism coming back into our society,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

The President said the strong response from the private sector shows growing confidence in government policies and direction. She added that this cooperation is important in ensuring that economic recovery efforts are inclusive and effective.

The head of State says the work of the taskforce comes at a critical time as Namibia prepares to implement new development plans under the upcoming budget cycle. The recommendations are expected to focus on practical solutions to improve economic performance, create jobs and support key sectors. She also expressed confidence in the team leading the process. “These are some of the things that can make me have trust in the team I am having,” she said.