At the Bank of Namibia Annual Symposium 2025, Honourable Dino Ballo, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, delivered a compelling address on the transformative power of Namibia’s creative industries as pivotal drivers of economic development. With the theme “Unleashing the Power of the Creative Industries: A Catalyst for Economic Development in Namibia,” Deputy Minister Ballo articulated the ministry’s commitment to championing the creative economy as a vital sector for national growth.
Opening with a warm and personal reflection, Deputy Minister Ballo shared his respect for the Central Bank Governor and recounted an anecdote illustrating unexpected lessons on professionalism and humility. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, he brought to light the significance of culture and national identity, highlighted by a symbolic bracelet from Kenya—as a metaphor for adopting and fostering unique Namibian cultural pride.
He applauded local creatives such as award-winning designer Ms. Kim Matheus, whose innovative “Safari by CBK” collection reclaims Namibian identity through fashion, blending heritage and modernity. This example, he urged, epitomizes the essence of supporting local talent, aligned with the government’s “Buy Local Grow Namibia” campaign—encouraging true empowerment beyond mere exposure.
Drawing attention to recent institutional and policy advancements, the Deputy Minister outlined the role of Namibia’s reinforced arts frameworks, including the newly launched Namibia Arts, Culture and Heritage Policy 2025-2030. This living policy directly connects arts and culture with the country’s economic and social goals, supported by crucial institutions like the National Heritage Council, National Arts Council, and Namibia Film Commission.
Deputy Minister Ballo emphasized the importance of protecting creators’ rights through ongoing legislative efforts such as the National Arts Fund Bill and Copyright and Related Rights Bill, designed to safeguard intellectual property in the digital age. He called on the Central Bank to champion digital payment systems that facilitate fair compensation and cross-border monetization of creative works, citing platforms like PayPal and Google Pay as vital tools to unlock new opportunities for Namibian creatives.
In his closing remarks, he expressed gratitude for the symposium’s focus on the creative industries—an unprecedented highlight in the Central Bank’s history—and invited all stakeholders to support the burgeoning creative economy that embodies Namibia’s cultural heritage and future prosperity. The Deputy Minister then introduced the keynote speaker, Honorable Dr. Sanet Lentrud Steenkamp, a transformational leader dedicated to advancing Namibia’s arts and education sectors.
Deputy Minister Ballo’s address powerfully framed the creative industries not only as a sector deserving of recognition and resources but as a crucial vehicle for economic diversification, youth employment, and national identity reclamation in Namibia. This renewed government focus, championed by top leadership, underscores the creative economy as a vital and dynamic force in the country’s development journey.
