President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Namibian Presidency
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibian entrepreneurs to prepare for opportunities in emerging industries, stressing that the country’s natural resources must translate into jobs, skills development, stronger local businesses and improved livelihoods.
The President said local businesses must understand the needs of sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, green hydrogen and rare earth minerals to benefit from Namibia’s planned local content policy. She said the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) places economic transformation, diversification, value addition and employment creation at the centre of the country’s development agenda. “The policy direction is clear: we must strengthen Namibian businesses’ capability to supply the domestic market, participate in regional value chains, and reach new international customers,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that the success of trade exhibitions should not be measured only by visitor numbers or exhibition stands, but by lasting business partnerships, continued enterprise growth and opportunities created for young entrepreneurs. She highlighted the strategic importance of the Port of Walvis Bay and Namibia’s transport corridors in connecting local producers and neighbouring landlocked countries to regional and international markets.
The President also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an opportunity for Namibian farmers, manufacturers, service providers and emerging entrepreneurs to access wider markets and strengthen regional value chains. Following her recent state visit to Angola, she said both countries’ leaders had called on businesses to cooperate, while governments must create an enabling environment for trade. Nandi-Ndaitwah further highlighted the Namibia Public-Private Forum (NamPPF), established to bring government and the private sector together to address barriers to investment, competitiveness and job creation. She said some resolutions from the inaugural 2025 forum were already being implemented, including a five-year business visa for qualifying investors.
She invited business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs to attend the second NamPPF, scheduled for 25–27 November 2026.
By Rudi Bowe
