WINDHOEK, October 01— President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on government, the private sector and civil society to strengthen partnerships aimed at empowering Namibia’s youth, saying investment in young people is critical to the country’s long-term development.
Speaking at the annual One Economy Foundation Fundraising Soiree in Windhoek on Wednesday evening, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia’s youthful population represents a major national asset that requires deliberate investment in skills, entrepreneurship, healthcare and other areas of human capital development.
According to the 2023 Namibia Population and Housing Census, cited by the President, 71% of Namibia’s population is below the age of 35.
“The energy, ingenuity, and ambition of our young people are our greatest assets,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, while cautioning that Namibia’s demographic potential would only translate into meaningful economic benefits if the country invests intentionally in human capital development.
The President praised the One Economy Foundation for its youth-focused programmes, particularly initiatives targeting skills development, entrepreneurship, mentorship and access to capital.
She said such programmes complement government efforts by equipping young Namibians with market-relevant skills and encouraging them not only to seek employment but also to create employment opportunities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further highlighted the Foundation’s healthcare outreach programmes, which provide free medical services to communities that may otherwise face barriers to accessing healthcare.
She said bringing healthcare services closer to informal settlements and rural communities was important in ensuring that human dignity remained central to Namibia’s development agenda.
“A healthy nation is a productive nation,” she said.
The President also stressed the importance of social transformation alongside economic transformation, describing social capital as a strategic national asset that must be protected by individuals, families, communities and workplaces.
She said addressing youth unemployment and socio-economic disparities requires a collective approach involving government, businesses and civil society organisations.
The event, which was held as a fundraising initiative for the One Economy Foundation, also saw the President appeal to corporate sponsors, donors and development partners to contribute towards programmes benefiting young Namibians.
Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked organisations and individuals who supported the fundraising initiative, describing their contributions as an investment in national development.
She urged those attending the event to “give what you can”, saying collective contributions could help expand programmes aimed at improving the lives of young people.
The President also encouraged young Namibians to make use of opportunities available through government, the private sector and civil society organisations.
“This is your time to shine, and don’t waste any time; make use of every opportunity available for the good of our nation,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah commended One Economy Foundation founder Monica Geingos and her team for what she described as sustained leadership in promoting social responsibility and youth development.
She called for stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors and civil society, saying such partnerships were necessary to address the challenges facing young Namibians.
Using a traditional analogy, the President said that while a single thread cannot weave a basket, multiple threads woven together can create a structure strong enough to withstand the test of time.
She said the same principle should guide partnerships between government, the corporate sector and civil society in pursuit of common national objectives.
The President concluded by congratulating the One Economy Foundation for its work and encouraging continued support for initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for Namibia’s youth.
