Staff Writer

President Hage Geingob said there is no need for a new plan of action; instead, there is an urgent need for efficient and effective execution across all sectors of society to fast track national developmental objectives. 

Geingob said this on Monday when he addressed the guests who attended Namibia’s 32nd Independence anniversary at Swakopmund.

He said while Namibia commits to recovering the economy, the focus should be on instituting cost-effective, pro-investment reforms with trade-offs to enable the government and the private sector to address the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

According to Geingob, although Namibia has made significant progress as a nation, it has not always been plain sailing. 

“Since 2015, Namibia has been adversely affected by independent intervening variables, such as the global commodity crisis, currency fluctuations and severe drought. When it looked like we were out of the woods, we were visited by an unwelcome guest – Covid-19,” he said.

He added that Namibia had gained experience over several years to expect the unexpected, be ready to withstand various shocks and develop the necessary resilience to sustain economic growth and produce employment opportunities.

The President urged the nation to develop specific policies that are strategic and aligned to the future trends in the aftermath of the Global Economic recession and the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

NEW INVESTMENT AREAS

The government, Geingob said, has been relentlessly pursuing new areas for investment that will catalyse economic growth and job creation. 

“These areas include Green Hydrogen and Ammonia. To position the country to compete in a global market for green hydrogen, the government has taken the initiative to develop this sector to achieve a globally competitive offering and sufficient infrastructure for maritime export,” he said.

Geingob further said preliminary market estimates indicate that the economy stands to absorb potential FDI of US$6 billion, producing 2 million tons of ammonia.

This will generate over US$800 million in revenue per annum and house generation assets of 5 Gigawatt with the capability to produce power at less than 3 US cents per kilowatt. 

“We expect that this transformative project alone will employ 20 000 Namibians over some time and will be consequential to the future of our country,” he said, adding there are also opportunities for training and scholarships offered by the Southern Corridor Development Initiative. 

Geingob said the government is committed to ensuring that the development and exploitation of oil resources will be transparent and benefit Namibia’s people and future generations. 

He explained that to avoid the infamous resource curse, the government will soberly plan the distribution and utilisation of the benefits of these resources so that all Namibians participate in the country’s prosperity. 

“I re-emphasise that no one must be left out. Thus, together, we will march towards victory in the Second Phase of the struggle for Economic Liberation,” he said.

 

GEINGOB’S DREAM

Geingob also said gender-based violence, tribalism, corruption, violent crime, and general moral decay threaten development.

The President said he has always dreamt of a united Nimaibia where all her citizens peacefully coexist without tribalism or racism.

“I stand by this principle. We should never accept tribalism or racism in Namibia. A progressive society can never subscribe to the practice of retrogressive tendencies. A people united for prosperity cannot be divided by ethnicity. 

“Therefore, we must continue the fight to uproot these harmful practices from the fabric of Namibian society. This will be done through the practice of inclusivity and the continued emphasis on transparency and accountability, which connote trust,” he said.

According to Geingob, Namibia’s national ambitions are threatened by the scourge of corruption, which, if allowed to gain a foothold in the society, places the national security, sovereignty, and economic development under severe threat. 

He said there is no way a culture of gender-based violence can be tolerated and allow women and girls to be stripped of their agency and reduced to objects. 

“Therefore, I again appeal to all men; let us be protectors and builders. Let us not become terrorisers within our households and societies. Respect is not earned out of fear. Also, the unabated trend of teenage pregnancies should be a source of deep concern and self-reflection in our society. Therefore, we must undergo an attitudinal adjustment to create a harmonious society where both men and women can optimise their potential to better themselves, their families, society, and the nation,” he said.