Resources We Have, Execution We Lack

Namibia has never been short of resources.

From diamonds and uranium to new oil discoveries and green hydrogen potential, the country sits on wealth that many nations can only envy.

Yet our lived reality – persistent unemployment, inequality, and underdevelopment – tells a different story. The problem is not scarcity, but execution, equity, and foresight.

Recent economic reports make this point painfully clear: The nation must urgently act on several priorities if its people are to benefit from the coming resource windfalls.

Future oil and hydrogen revenues must not become political lifelines for short-term budget deficits. If we are to avoid the ‘resource curse’ that has trapped so many African nations, Namibia needs a transparent sovereign wealth framework.

That fund must be shielded from political expediency, audited independently, and built to serve generations, not electoral cycles.

National development plans look good on paper, but they mean little if young people remain without meaningful opportunities. Youth unemployment, now among the highest in the region, is a ticking time bomb.

Programmes like the recently introduced ‘N$200-million Youth Fund’ were meant to bridge this gap, yet their impact has been limited. Funds often come with restrictive due dates, are too small, or fail to reach the regions effectively. Local content policies, vocational training, and small business financing must move from policy promises to tangible action. Without this, Namibia’s growth remains elite driven, leaving the majority behind.

Tight budgets mean every cent must deliver. Yet, too many public projects are delayed, overrun costs, or fail outright. The International Monetary Fund 2025 Article IV Consultation has repeatedly recommended reforms to Namibia’s public investment management. Those reforms include better planning, stricter procurement oversight, and that accountability for delays be acted upon. Otherwise, resource revenues will flow into a leaky bucket, enriching contractors and individuals, but not communities.

Powerful networks of influence, election politics, and elites controlling resources often block fair development. Rural areas, which already lack infrastructure and opportunities, continue to be left behind, deepening old inequalities.

To make sure resources benefit everyone and not just a small, privileged group, there must be transparent governance, independent management of resources, and strong accountability.

Namibia’s future will not be decided by its mineral wealth or potential energy projects alone. It will be determined by the quality of governance, the ability to execute policies effectively, and a commitment to equity and long-term planning.

Execution is our most valuable resource. If harnessed well, Namibia can transform its natural wealth into inclusive growth, opportunity for its youth, and lasting prosperity. If neglected, resource riches will remain a promise unfulfilled, and the struggles of ordinary Namibians will persist.

The time for slogans has passed. What is needed now is courage, discipline, and political will – a collective determination to ensure Namibia’s resources serve its people today and the generations to come.
– Tangi Amupanda

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.