Namibia has called for urgent economic transformation among developing countries, warning that continued reliance on exporting raw materials is costing jobs and weakening economies across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Speaking at the 11th summit of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Namibia’s ambassador to Belgium Alfredo Hengari said the country is pushing for urgent industrialisation and value addition across member states. 

“Namibia is participating in this summit at a moment of unprecedented global transformations,” Hengari said, pointing to economic instability, climate change, conflicts and rapid technological shifts shaping the world.

He said these pressures are exposing the weaknesses of commodity-driven economies, including Namibia’s, and require urgent action.

Quoting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Hengari said: “When we export raw materials, we are exporting jobs. That is unsustainable.”

He added that “it is not business as usual”, stressing that Namibia is calling for a shift towards what the President describes as “business unusual”, driven by industrial growth and local production. This message formed the core of Namibia’s position at the summit, where leaders are discussing how to transform and renew the bloc of 79 member states representing more than one billion people. Hengari stressed that Namibia wants the organisation to move beyond rhetoric and focus on practical economic reforms that will create jobs and opportunities, especially for young people. “Our commodity-driven economies remain vulnerable to external shocks. In line with the call of our President, Namibia wishes to underscore the urgency of accelerating industrialisation and agricultural production, promoting natural resource beneficiation, digital inclusion and strengthening intra-OACPS trade,” he said.  He said building stronger local industries and adding value to natural resources will help countries reduce dependence on exports of raw materials and improve economic resilience.

The summit, held under the theme “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World”, comes as the organisation marks 50 years since its formation.

Hengari said the anniversary presents an opportunity for member states to rethink the role of the organisation in a rapidly changing global environment.

“Namibia firmly believes that a transformed and renewed OACPS must be anchored in unity, solidarity and purposeful action,” he said.

He added that the organisation must become more responsive to the needs of its people and deliver real benefits. “We have to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens,” he said. Hengari noted that Namibia is aligning its position at the summit with its national development priorities under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which focuses on industrialisation, agriculture and innovation.

“Our NDP6 emphasises industrial innovation and value addition, agricultural output, blue and green industrialisation, human capital development and the creative sectors as key drivers for inclusive growth,” he said.

He said these priorities are in line with the broader goals of the OACPS to promote sustainable development and economic cooperation among member states.

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of investing in young people and women as part of the transformation agenda.

“With a growing young population across our regions, the Global South must invest in education, skills development, entrepreneurship and digital transformation,” he said.

He added that women, particularly in agriculture, have a critical role to play in strengthening food systems.

“Women have an important role to play in strengthening our agricultural food systems,” he said. Hengari further warned that global multilateral systems are under pressure, making it more important for developing countries to unite and push for fair global rules.

“A transformed OACPS must reinforce its commitment to global governance. We must continue to advocate for a rules-based international order that is fair, inclusive, and reflective of the realities of developing countries,” he said. He said Namibia left the summit with renewed determination to push for meaningful change within the organisation.

“We will leave the 11th summit with renewed determination and collective resolve to play our part as Namibia to build a stronger OACPS that delivers real benefits for our people,” he said.

The OACPS, formed in 1975, brings together countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific to promote cooperation, trade and development.