Windhoek, October 23 — Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum (NamPPF). The establishment of NamPPF marks a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between government and the private sector to accelerate economic development.
The President expressed gratitude to the Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board for implementing the Cabinet decision that led to the forum’s creation. She underscored that the forum is not just another dialogue platform but an institutionalized partnership aimed at uniting government and business in pursuit of shared prosperity.
Addressing socio-economic challenges, President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Namibia’s triple threat of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, noting that Namibia remains one of the world’s most unequal societies. Despite these challenges, she emphasized Namibia’s history of overcoming adversity through unity and determination, urging a paradigm shift to unlock the country’s abundant natural wealth and youthful population towards inclusive growth and economic freedom for all citizens.
Reflecting on her commitment since assuming office earlier in 2025, the President outlined a government approach defined by decisive and results-driven governance to complement the ongoing Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). The plan centers on fostering economic growth, inclusiveness, and resilience to achieve Vision 2030’s goal of transforming Namibia into an industrialized and prosperous nation.
A bold target set under NDP6 is the creation of 500,000 jobs over the next five years. To reach this, the government pledged to remove barriers, cut red tape, and foster an environment conducive to business growth. Key priority sectors were identified, including Agriculture, Sports, Youth Empowerment, Quality Education and Training, Creative Industries, Quality Health and Social Welfare, Land, Housing, and Sanitation, supported by enabling sectors such as Mining, Energy, Tourism, Fisheries, and Infrastructure.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated that government action alone is insufficient and called on all stakeholders business leaders, civil society, and development partners to actively engage and contribute innovative solutions to boost sustainable economic growth.
She also highlighted ongoing reforms to create a fair and predictable regulatory environment through updated laws such as the Land Bill, Petroleum Act, and Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill, alongside tax reforms to enhance Namibia’s competitiveness regionally.
Concluding her address, the President reaffirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate at all levels to keep Namibia’s hope alive and urged participants to engage with unity, honesty, and a solutions-driven mindset. The forum, she officially opens a new chapter in Namibia’s nation-building and shared prosperity journey.
