Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment as the fifth and first female President of Namibia marks a monumental milestone that signals a new era for the country.
Her rise to the presidency was not a sudden turn of events, as her career in public service spans decades, marked by pivotal roles in government and diplomacy that have equipped her with the skills and resilience to lead.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidential campaign centred on promises of economic transformation, with a sharp focus on creating opportunities for all Namibians. As she assumes office, it is critical that her government works tirelessly to tackle the country’s most pressing issues, such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
These challenges have plagued Namibia for centuries, preventing the nation from realising its full potential despite its rich resources and democratic progress. NNN’s presidential vision emphasizes inclusion, job creation, and empowering local Namibians to benefit from the country’s wealth. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s government must, with immediate effect, prioritise quality education, skills training and the development of sectors that can absorb large numbers of young people into the workforce.
To achieve this crucial goal, the government can partner with the private sector to create a climate conducive to sustainable job creation while also investing in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and technology that have the potential to drive economic growth.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, over 43.3% of Namibia’s population lives in multidimensional poverty. This index considers various deprivations beyond income, including education, health, and living standards, which highlights the country’s inequality and signals a call for the new government to ensure that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the living standards of the Namibian people.
Targeted interventions, such as a commitment to social welfare programs, housing, healthcare, and education, are essential to bridging inequality. A commitment to nation-building is grounded in the values of inclusion, equality, and unity. NNN’s inauguration, backed by a cabinet with significant female representation, speaks to the broader vision of a government that actively promotes gender equality and empowers marginalised groups.
It extends beyond gender and necessitates an inclusive approach that encompasses the diverse voices and needs of all Namibians, regardless of their ethnicity, region, or socio-economic status. The new President’s commitment to creating a more inclusive Namibia means that every citizen, from rural farmers to urban entrepreneurs, should feel valued, seen, and heard.
There is no better time than now to address these disparities with policies that focus on equal access to resources, opportunities, and services. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s government must ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the drive for national development. As Namibia’s fifth President, Nandi-Ndaitwah has emphasised the need for targeted support for MSMEs, which are crucial economic drivers.
A key aspect of achieving true economic emancipation under Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership is the implementation of a robust national content policy in both the oil and gas sectors and the renewable energy industry. It is imperative that these industries not only serve as drivers of economic growth but also as vehicles for ensuring that all Namibians benefit from the nation’s natural resources.
By prioritising the involvement of local businesses, skilled labour, and communities in these sectors, Namibia can move beyond mere resource extraction and shift toward a model of sustainable, inclusive growth.
The new regime should foster a business-friendly environment by simplifying bureaucratic processes that serve as bottlenecks hampering progress. Moreover, the driving force for this new regime should be government efficiency and pragmatic service delivery across all offices, agencies, and institutions.
The people of Namibia deserve a government that is accountable and safeguards their interests. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency should offer Namibia an opportunity to chart a new course, one that prioritises development, inclusion, and economic emancipation for all citizens. The challenges facing Namibia are formidable, but they are not insurmountable.
By focusing on job creation, poverty reduction, and the empowerment of all Namibians, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s government can lay the foundation for a more prosperous, united, and inclusive nation. For this vision to become a reality, it will require the full commitment of the Namibian people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has made a bold commitment to steer the country toward prosperity, and it is equally up to all Namibians to stand with her in building a future that offers opportunity, equality, and economic freedom for all.