Matheus David
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, this week, held the official launch of the National Consultations on the Draft Namibia Cultural and Creative Industry Strategy 2025–2030.
The event brought together government officials, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) representatives, cultural practitioners and members of the creative sector.
Boyson Ngondo, Deputy Director for National Heritage and Culture Programmes, in a speech delivered on his behalf, said the launch represents a key step in strengthening the national creative ecosystem.
He noted that the draft strategy will provide direction for improving policy coordination, supporting creative entrepreneurship, and expanding access to resources.
Ngondo detailed that the consultations will ensure that the strategy reflects the views of all relevant players, including artists, cultural workers, institutions and communities. He thanked UNESCO Namibia consultant Patrick Sam and other contributors for their involvement in the drafting process.
Unesco’s National Programme Officer for Culture Helvi Inotila Moshell said integrating findings from the Culture 2030 indicators demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking. She said this approach ensures that cultural policies are measurable and aligned with national development priorities under NDP6. Moshell commended the ministry for its leadership and acknowledged the role of artists, researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurs who will further contribute during the consultation period. She reaffirmed Unesco’s commitment to supporting the development of the Strategy and emphasised its potential to create opportunities for young people, empower women and strengthen intercultural dialogue.
The national consultations will continue across the country, giving stakeholders the chance to provide input into a strategy aimed at building a more coordinated, inclusive and sustainable cultural and creative industry for Namibia.