Windhoek, 1 October 2026.
Statement by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, at the Annual One Economy Fundraising Soirée.
Director of Ceremonies;
Meme Monica Geingos, Executive Chairperson of the One Economy Foundation, former First Lady and Founder of the One Economy Foundation;
Lt. Gen. (Retired) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, First Gentleman;
The Right Honourable Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia;
All Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners;
All Members of Parliament;
Distinguished former leaders and retired dignitaries;
Retired Lieutenant General Martin Shali;
Our esteemed Executive Directors and Deputy Executive Directors;
Leadership of the One Economy Foundation;
Ms Kauna Ndilula, Non-Executive Board Member;
Ms Pauline Thomas Kahupi, Executive Director;
Captains of industry, corporate partners and friends of ONE;
Members of the media;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to thank Meme Monica Geingos, former First Lady and Founder of the One Economy Foundation, for making it possible for us to be here this evening. Since its formation, the One Economy Foundation has carried out various youth development initiatives that have made a positive impact on the lives of our young people and the families they support.
It is a well-known fact that youth empowerment and development are key priorities of the Namibian Government, as articulated in NDP6. Therefore, youth development is very close to my heart. Accordingly, any initiatives that focus on building the capacity and skills of our youth are very much welcome.
One Economy Foundation programmes are among the many initiatives in the country that complement the Government’s efforts to help young people realise their potential and unlock their capabilities for the betterment of all, as the Government cannot do it alone. Empowering the youth is the best investment a nation can make to enable the next generation to drive sustainable growth and development in our country.
As we all know, Namibia is a youthful nation. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency’s 2023 Census Report, 71% of the population is under the age of 35. Therefore, the energy, ingenuity and ambition of our young people are our greatest assets. However, demographic potential only translates into a demographic dividend if we invest intentionally in human capital development.
Youth-focused programmes are not only helping young people but also shaping our country in ways that benefit the whole nation. I have said it many times, and I will repeat it today: as much as we need to transform our economy, we must not neglect social transformation. Social capital is a strategic asset that must be protected at all times by all members of society, at home, in the community and at work.
I have learned that, through targeted interventions in skills development and entrepreneurship, the One Economy Foundation has equipped young Namibians with market-relevant tools. By training young people, you are supporting micro-entrepreneurs and providing access to capital and mentorship.
That is to say, the Foundation is converting potential into productivity and teaching our young people not only to seek jobs but also to create them, thus contributing directly to our national development agenda.
In the critical domain of healthcare, the Foundation’s outreach programmes provide high-quality healthcare services free of charge to some communities, saving lives and restoring dignity. This aligns with “Better Living Standards: Quality Health and Social Welfare”, one of the seven key priority areas in the SWAPO Party Election Manifesto 2025–2030, and is a priority of the 8th Administration.
Moreover, access to healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the few. By bringing medical services directly to informal settlements and rural communities, we ensure that human dignity remains at the heart of our development agenda. Always remember: a healthy nation is a productive nation.
In pursuit of a unified purpose, I also commend the Foundation’s efforts to address youth unemployment and socio-economic disparities. By fostering collaboration among Government, the private sector and civil society, we must strengthen our collective resolve to uplift Namibia’s youth and bridge socio-economic divides.
Given the above background, I commend Madame Monica Geingos and your entire team for consistently demonstrating leadership with social responsibility. I encourage you to continue your work with one heart and in one mind, with the same passion that has defined your journey over the years.
Director of Ceremonies,
This is a fundraising event, and I have no intention of taking up our time instead of doing what has brought us here. Moreover, the work of the One Economy Foundation is well known to most of the people present.
However, let me underline the point that our presence here this evening is a clear testament to our readiness to support programmes that focus on the well-being of our people, as demonstrated by the positive impact of the One Economy Foundation. I am therefore asking you to play your part today by giving what you can, as, in the end, that will be a collective effort in nation-building, in collaboration with the Foundation we are here to support.
It is in this context that I express my personal gratitude to every corporate sponsor, donor and development partner who responded favourably to the invitation to be here tonight. Your support for this fundraising initiative is an important national investment that translates into a positive impact for hundreds of young people, and we must do so with open hearts.
A parental word to our young people: I urge you, my sons and daughters, to take advantage of the opportunities offered by our Government, the private sector, civil society organisations, the One Economy Foundation and others. This is your time to shine. Do not waste any time; make use of every opportunity available for the good of our nation.
Finally, tradition and experience teach us that a single thread cannot weave a basket, but when threads are woven together, they form a structure strong enough to withstand the test of time. Let us continue to weave these threads of partnership among Government, the corporate sector and civil society towards a common purpose.
I wish once again to thank and congratulate the One Economy Foundation for extending a helping hand to our young people, and I wish you success moving forward.
Let us give. The hand that gives is the hand that receives.
I thank you.
