Creativity the new currency of Namibia’s growth - president
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibia to harness the power of its creative industries as a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The president stressed that the nation’s future will be defined not by its natural resources but rather by the imagination and innovation of its people.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp, delivering a speech on behalf of the president last week at the 26th annual Bank of Namibia Symposium, told delegates that the administration has identified the creative sector as a national priority under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and the Swapo Party Manifesto.
“The future of our nation will not be defined by the resources beneath our soil, but by the creativity that rises from within our people," Steenkamp emphasised.
"For too long, Namibia’s economy has relied on a narrow base – mining, fisheries and agriculture. These sectors have created value, but not enough jobs, not enough inclusion and not enough resilience."
She noted that the creative economy is among the world’s fastest-growing sectors, generating over US$2.3 trillion annually and employing more than 6% of the global workforce – jobs driven by human imagination rather than machines.
Investing in Namibian creatives
Steenkamp said the president has confirmed that government funding for the arts, film and creative enterprises is being increased.
She said institutions such as the Namibia Film Commission and National Arts Council have already received additional resources, while partnerships with UNESCO are being strengthened to enhance copyright protection and institutional capacity.
She added that the National Youth Development Fund, with an allocation of N$257 million, would empower young Namibians – including those pursuing creative ventures. “Our national target is clear: to double the creative sector’s contribution to GDP from 1.5% to 3% within the next five years,” the minister said.
Dr Johannes !Gawaxab, the governor of the Bank of Namibia, noted that Namibia must confront the obstacles that continue to hinder progress in the creative sector, including limited access to financing, disorganisation within the industry, and a persistent scarcity of opportunities.
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The president stressed that the nation’s future will be defined not by its natural resources but rather by the imagination and innovation of its people.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp, delivering a speech on behalf of the president last week at the 26th annual Bank of Namibia Symposium, told delegates that the administration has identified the creative sector as a national priority under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and the Swapo Party Manifesto.
“The future of our nation will not be defined by the resources beneath our soil, but by the creativity that rises from within our people," Steenkamp emphasised.
"For too long, Namibia’s economy has relied on a narrow base – mining, fisheries and agriculture. These sectors have created value, but not enough jobs, not enough inclusion and not enough resilience."
She noted that the creative economy is among the world’s fastest-growing sectors, generating over US$2.3 trillion annually and employing more than 6% of the global workforce – jobs driven by human imagination rather than machines.
Investing in Namibian creatives
Steenkamp said the president has confirmed that government funding for the arts, film and creative enterprises is being increased.
She said institutions such as the Namibia Film Commission and National Arts Council have already received additional resources, while partnerships with UNESCO are being strengthened to enhance copyright protection and institutional capacity.
She added that the National Youth Development Fund, with an allocation of N$257 million, would empower young Namibians – including those pursuing creative ventures. “Our national target is clear: to double the creative sector’s contribution to GDP from 1.5% to 3% within the next five years,” the minister said.
Dr Johannes !Gawaxab, the governor of the Bank of Namibia, noted that Namibia must confront the obstacles that continue to hinder progress in the creative sector, including limited access to financing, disorganisation within the industry, and a persistent scarcity of opportunities.
[email protected]
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