The passing of Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, has sent ripples through the business community. 

As a pivotal figure in the country’s struggle for independence from apartheid South Africa, Nujoma laid the groundwork for a stable and inclusive economic environment. 

Many stated that his leadership was crucial in fostering national reconciliation and economic stability after decades of colonial rule and conflict.

His vision for an inclusive society extended to his economic policies. 

He encouraged white business leaders to remain in Namibia post-independence, a strategic move that helped maintain continuity in key sectors like agriculture and commerce. By enacting a democratic Constitution that protected fundamental rights across racial lines, he created an environment conducive to investment and growth.

Despite challenges during his tenure, including autocratic tendencies and controversial stances on certain issues, Nujoma is widely credited with setting Namibia on a path towards becoming one of Africa’s success stories. 

The business community mourns not only a leader but also the architect of their nation’s prosperity. 

As Namibia moves forward without him, it will continue to build upon the foundations Nujoma established for its future growth and stability.

The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) president Bisey /Uirab expressed deep gratitude for Nujoma’s contributions to the business community. 

“Nujoma has done so much for us as the business community. We are shocked by the news, but we cherish his hard work, which enabled us to access international markets and do business with the world,” he said.

He praised him as a “good friend of the business community”, who consistently consulted with them and included them in his presidential delegations during state visits.

Businessman Leake Hangala said Nujoma made significant contributions to Namibia’s liberation and its economic foundations. 

He emphasised that during his presidency, Nujoma always prioritised their interests through the NCCI.

“He always put us ahead… He did his part. Now it is up to us to continue with his legacy,” said Hangala.

Independent economic and business researcher Josef Sheehama noted Nujoma’s political and personal dedication to Namibia’s social and economic progress is unquantifiable.

He said his legacy of fostering democracy and rapprochement will serve as an inspiration to the country’s present and future generations and the business community. 

“Nujoma was the greatest leader, who brought the nation together, led the democratic transition and established the groundwork for economic growth and his vision for Namibia’s industrialisation by 2030. The business community is deeply saddened by his passing,” said Sheehama.

He shared the founding father’s best words. “As he often said, a people who work together to achieve the common good for all members of society will always succeed. Peace is more than just the absence of conflict. It is the establishment of an environment that fosters economic growth and the flourishing of the business community. That is what our Founding Father stood for,” he said.

Honouring the legacy of the founding president through green industrialisation, the Green Hydrogen Programme spokesperson Jona Musheko said Nujoma laid the foundation for Namibia’s economic transformation by formulating Vision 2030, a bold blueprint that envisioned an industrialised and prosperous Namibia. 

He said Nujoma’s vision called for the shift from a primary-resource-based economy to one that thrives on value addition, manufacturing and industrial development.

“Today, as we advance the green hydrogen industry, we are not only embracing innovation but also fulfilling his dream of industrialisation. Green hydrogen presents a unique opportunity to move Namibia up the value chain by utilising clean energy to process our minerals, create industries and generate employment,” said Musheko.

National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) spokesperson Utaara Hoveka extended condolences on behalf of the company.

 He said Nujoma’s interest in geology was motivated by his convictions that Namibia was endowed with untapped natural resources. 

True to this conviction, oil and other natural resources have been discovered in the country. -mndjavera@nepc.com.na