Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for sport to be recognised as a powerful economic sector, a source of employment and a tool for nation-building, rather than being treated merely as recreation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Helao Nafidi Sports Centre, the President said sport has the potential to create careers, sustain families, attract investment and stimulate economic activity across a wide range of industries.
She noted that the global sports economy generates an estimated US$2.3 trillion annually, demonstrating the significant economic value of the sector.
“Sport is not only about trophies, entertainment and the final score,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said, highlighting the many professionals whose livelihoods depend on the sporting value chain, including athletes, coaches, physiotherapists, administrators, event organisers, broadcasters, journalists, caterers and transport operators.
The President said Namibia is already seeing the benefits of sporting talent, with footballers, boxers, cyclists and track-and-field athletes competing and developing their careers beyond the country’s borders. However, she stressed that talent often begins far from major stadiums — on school grounds, in villages and through community competitions. She said facilities such as the Helao Nafidi Sports Centre can help close the gap by providing young people with places to participate, develop their abilities and be identified by coaches and scouts.
The President reaffirmed the Eighth Administration’s commitment to developing basic sports facilities across all 121 constituencies, saying sporting opportunities should not depend on whether a child grows up in an urban or rural area. “We cannot demand world-class performances while providing less than adequate conditions for training and development,” she said, stressing the need for investment in facilities, coaching, sports science, nutrition, competition, administration and athlete welfare.
She also called for a coordinated effort involving government, local authorities, schools, sports federations, the private sector and communities to ensure sports facilities are properly developed, maintained and protected.
Beyond competition, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said sport has a unique ability to unite Namibians across differences in background, region, language, age and political opinion. She described sports facilities as spaces where communities can come together as “One Namibia, One Nation”, while also teaching values such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance, respect, humility and resilience.
The President further linked investment in sport to public health and social development, saying access to structured sport, positive mentorship and safe facilities can strengthen young people’s physical and mental well-being while reducing their vulnerability to substance abuse, crime and other harmful activities. She said well-managed sports facilities can also host competitions, training camps, meetings, cultural activities and community gatherings, creating economic opportunities and potentially diversifying revenue for local authorities.
However, she cautioned that infrastructure alone will not be enough. Rural youth also need trained coaches, equipment, exposure to scouts, professional guidance and clear pathways from grassroots participation to elite competition.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah called on ministries, regional and local authorities, sports federations, educational institutions and the private sector to work together to make the Helao Nafidi Sports Centre a place where talent is discovered, discipline is developed, communities are united and economic opportunities are created.
“This is an investment in human potential. It is an investment in community life.”
By Rudi Bowe
