Too Many Seminars, Symposia, and Conferences: Are We Solving Problems or Just Talking?

By: Kandjengo kaMkwaanyoka

OVER the past couple of years it seems there’s a growing competition to host seminars, symposia, conferences, and the like.
Are we collectively striving to prove that we are taking action to address our economic challenges?
This leads us to the important question: Are these events genuinely making a difference in reshaping our economy, which heavily relies on the exploitation and export of raw materials?
Rather than taking substantial policy actions and facilitating change, those in positions of responsibility seem more inclined to lecture us about what’s wrong with the economy.
It’s evident that we need a critical analysis of the effectiveness of our national engagements. However, I believe there is ambiguity and confusion on the core structure of the various gatherings.
To illustrate this, let me present two examples. The first concerns the presentations by the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, while the second revolves around the keynote address by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, at the 24th Annual Symposium on the Transformation of the Rural Economy hosted by the Bank of Namibia.
I want to clarify that policymakers are meant to create policies and facilitate economic activities, while entrepreneurs and investors should handle production, distribution, and innovation.
Some government agencies also engage in these activities.