Namibia launches creative industry strategy plan

Namibia is seeking to reimagine its cultural future and generate wealth by launching the draft ‘Creative Industries Strategy 2025-2030’ next week.

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture will launch national consultations on the draft strategy on Monday.

The draft strategy is intended to establish a framework to redefine Namibia’s cultural environment, with a greater focus on creating wealth through the creative sector.

According to the ministry, the launch will also signify a major step towards developing a comprehensive long-term plan for the coordination of all sectors of the creative industries within Namibia.

Director of arts in the ministry M’kariko Amagulu says the draft strategy has been prepared in collaboration with various stakeholders to create an appropriate national framework to position the creative sector as a key catalyst for innovation, social cohesion, and economic development.

“The draft will also provide a framework for a coordinated approach to the enhancement of access to funding, skills development, and other means of enhancing the capacity of artists, creative entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners, and cultural institutions to thrive in Namibia’s creative industries,” she says.

Amagulu says the draft strategy identifies four focus areas of activity: the development of creative hubs, promotion of national cultural facilities, supporting creative entrepreneurs, and the development of public policy to enable the coordination of efforts among all levels of government, private sector, institutions of higher education, and civil society.

“The strategy aligns with Vision 2030 and the sixth National Development Plan and the Namibia Arts, Culture and Heritage Policy 2025-2030 and also considers many other international instruments or organisations.”

In connection with the launch of the strategy, the ministry will announce the creation of the Namibia Cultural and Creative Industry Council (NCCIC).

According to the director, the council will act as a multisector advisory mechanism for providing strategic oversight and leadership during implementation.

“The NCCIC will include representatives from the various creative fields and different sectors of society, enabling the effective, inclusive and coordinated implementation of the strategy,” says Amagulu, adding that this will also play an important role in providing the opportunity to create long-term sustainable growth in the sector, with an emphasis on local job opportunities and the preservation of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Amagulu says the consultations will provide an opportunity for stakeholders throughout the country to share their views and opinions on what the final strategy should include.

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