President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to take greater ownership of the country’s economic future, stressing that government alone cannot overcome unemployment, poverty and other developmental challenges without the active involvement of citizens, businesses and communities.
Addressing residents during a Presidential Community Town Hall Meeting at the Mondesa Multi-Purpose Hall in Swakopmund, the President said meaningful national development requires a collective effort from all sectors of society.
The engagement, held under the theme “Bringing Government Closer to the People: Strengthening Dialogue, Accountability and Inclusive Development in the Erongo Region,” provided residents with an opportunity to raise concerns and engage directly with the Head of State.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said public consultations had played a significant role in shaping the priorities of the Eighth Administration, many of which are now reflected in the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). She encouraged communities to remain involved beyond policy formulation and to actively participate in implementation. “When we formulate policies together, we should also implement them together,” she said.
Youth empowerment featured prominently in the President’s address, with Nandi-Ndaitwah urging young Namibians to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic independence. She highlighted recent changes to the Youth Development Fund, including the expansion of age eligibility requirements following feedback from young people.
As an example of the fund’s impact, she pointed to a medical practice established by a young doctor in the Erongo Region with financial support from the programme, saying such initiatives have the potential to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further raised concerns about unemployment, challenges facing the fishing industry, housing shortages and bureaucratic delays that can discourage investment. She stressed the importance of closer collaboration between vocational training institutions and employers to improve workplace readiness among graduates.
Concluding her address, the President urged Namibians to support local businesses, remain engaged with government structures and embrace a mindset focused on shared responsibility, saying sustainable economic transformation can only be achieved through meaningful participation and action from all citizens. Photo: Namibian Precidency.
By Rudi Bowe
