President Nandi-Ndaitwah opens the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum

Windhoek, 23 October 2025

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To ensure close collaboration between the government and the private sector, the Cabinet decided in 2024 to establish the Namibia Public-Private Forum. The forum’s main objective is to facilitate dialogue between the public and private sectors in the area of economic development.

This being the inaugural session of the Namibia Public-Private Forum, I thank the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board for leading the implementation of the Cabinet decision, which has brought us here today to be part of this first session. I also take this opportunity to thank and welcome all of you for finding time to be part of this historic moment, as we open a new chapter in our journey of nation-building and prosperity.

Today, we are not merely launching another dialogue; we are institutionalising a partnership of purpose – a bridge between the government and business, united by the shared dream of building a prosperous Namibia. This gathering is a tangible demonstration of our collective resolve to strengthen collaboration, inclusivity and trust between the public and private sectors.

The persistent socio-economic challenges facing our country – the triple threat of unemployment, poverty and inequality – remain our greatest test since independence. Data reminds us that Namibia is among the most unequal societies in the world. These challenges not only undermine human dignity but also threaten our social cohesion and national security.

Yet, our history reminds us that Namibia has never been defined by adversity, but by our ability to overcome it. From the liberation struggle to nationhood, we have always proven that unity and determination can turn impossibility into progress. Namibia is abundantly endowed with natural wealth, from minerals and marine resources to arable land and a vibrant youthful population. However, our task today is to turn this wealth into wellbeing – to ensure that our natural endowments translate into true economic freedom for every Namibian. If harnessed with foresight and integrity, these blessings can be powerful drivers of inclusive growth and resilience.

Let me reiterate what I have often said: as a nation with this volume of resources, we are too few to be poor. Our God-given wealth must become a mechanism for shared prosperity – not for a few, but for all. But this requires a paradigm shift. We can no longer afford to do things the same way and expect new results. Namibia’s future demands courage, innovation and action.

When I assumed office on 21 March this year, I made a firm commitment to lead a government that rejects business as usual. We are ushering in a new era of decisive, efficient and results-driven governance – an era that honours the sacrifices of those who fought for the Namibia we enjoy today. This calls for all of us, public and private alike, to embrace collaboration and act with urgency.

You may recall that we recently launched the Sixth National Development Plan, anchored in the theme ‘Fostering Economic Growth, Inclusiveness and Resilience for Sustainable Development’. The plan maps the pathway to achieving Vision 2030, transforming Namibia into a truly industrialised and prosperous nation.

Our goal is bold yet achievable: to create 500 000 jobs over the next five years. While job creation may not rest solely with the government, it is our responsibility to create the environment in which businesses can grow and hire. This includes removing barriers, cutting red tape and ensuring that enterprise thrives.

The government has identified seven key priority areas, namely: agriculture; sports; youth empowerment; quality education and training; creative industries; quality health and social welfare; and land, housing and sanitation. To power these priorities, we have also identified enabling sectors – mining, energy, water, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, oil and gas, infrastructure development, and transport and logistics.

These are not merely words on paper. They are building blocks for a Namibia that stands on its own feet – resilient, industrial and confident in its destiny.

The plan further calls for a deliberate economic transformation strategy, one that expands our export base, increases productivity and builds a competent public service.

The government cannot achieve this alone. The story of Namibia has always been one of partnership, from the trenches of liberation to the tables of reconstruction. Our progress now depends on a shared effort between the government, business, civil society and development partners.

My message to you is clear: The government needs you. I need you. Namibia needs you. Let us work together to confront the challenges that stand between us and prosperity. Over the next two days, I urge you to bring forward your best ideas and boldest proposals to drive sustainable economic growth for our people.

Yes, there may be difficulties faced by the business community, including regulatory bottlenecks, high operational costs, limited access to markets and infrastructure gaps. However, for these challenges to be successfully addressed, we need to work together as a nation within our specific constituencies. We must address them as they are – not as abstract concepts, but as real barriers that affect livelihoods and limit innovation.

The government’s role is to create an enabling environment with responsive policies, modern infrastructure and predictable institutions that allow the private sector to thrive. But the private sector must also rise to the occasion by investing in local value chains, empowering micro, small and medium enterprises, and placing community upliftment at the heart of corporate purpose.

We can all agree that a predictable and fair regulatory framework is essential to competitiveness. That is why we are reforming outdated laws such as the land bill, the Petroleum Act and the Namibia investment promotion and facilitation bill. The investment bill in particular will provide stability and confidence to both domestic and international investors.

In the same spirit, the government has introduced tax reforms that make Namibia more competitive relative to our neighbours, signalling our readiness to attract and retain investment.

In closing, I want to assure you that the Office of the President and the government I lead stand ready to collaborate with all role-players in the economy – this includes corporate bodies and community-based organisations. Our shared duty is to keep Namibia’s flame of hope burning.

Over the next two days, let us engage with unity of purpose – with one heart and one mind. Be bold, be honest and be solutions-driven. I call upon all institutions represented here to document your ideas carefully and ensure that the outcomes of this dialogue are translated into concrete and timely action.

Together, let us write the next chapter of Namibia’s success – one defined not by what divides us, but by what unites us.

With those remarks, I now declare the Namibia Public-Private Forum officially open.

I thank you.

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