President rejects ‘beggar nation’ mindset in global dealings

Nikanor NangoloWindhoekPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia must stop negotiating with a “poverty mentality”, warning that Namibians cannot be seen as “beggars” by the international community.She made the remarks on Thursday at the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum in Windhoek, where she cautioned that the country should not act as though it is pleading for assistance when it has its own resources.“We should not negotiate with a poverty mentality, as if we are begging. We cannot be beggars in the international community when we have resources,” the president said.“We have already set ourselves to become a logistics hub in the region. Therefore, these are the things we must always keep in mind,” she added. “They are the building blocks that will enable Namibia to stand on her own feet, resilient, industrial and confident in her dealings within the international community.”Transform NamibiaNandi-Ndaitwah further stressed that Namibia is part and parcel of the global village but underlined that “we must rely on our own strength so that we can earn respect in the international community and benefit not only from our resources but also from the resources of the world.”She said when “others come to negotiate with us, we must do so from a position of strength,” adding that “we must have leverage, even to the point where others come to us for what we possess.”Nandi-Ndaitwah admitted that the country has lagged in certain areas outlined in Vision 2030 but expressed confidence that if Namibia aligns its planning with the sixth national development plan (NDP6), it can still achieve what once seemed impossible.She said the NDP6 is aimed at fostering economic growth, inclusiveness and resilience for sustainable development.“NDP6 maps the pathway toward achieving Vision 2030. We have only four years left to reach that milestone, to transform Namibia into a truly industrialised and prosperous nation.”The president highlighted that government’s goal is to create 500 000 jobs over the next five years.She said this target, while ambitious, is achievable.“Seven months have already passed, and it is time to assess our progress,” Nandi-Ndaitwah noted. “Through the National Youth Fund, we have supported 42 projects, which are expected to create 135 jobs. Beyond that, other initiatives within the private sector have likely created additional employment opportunities. Job creation should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the government. The government’s role is to create an enabling environment for businesses to grow and employ,” she stated.Shared dreamThe president highlighted that creating this enabling environment includes removing barriers, cutting red tape and ensuring that enterprises thrive.“That is why, in my maiden address to the nation, I called on Namibians to submit to the government the policies and laws they believe hinder economic growth,” she said. “I hope you have responded. We are now seriously reviewing those submissions as we prepare for the second year of this administration, determined to address those obstacles,” she added. The president further noted that the forum will serve as a bridge between 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,” she said. The event was themed ‘Public-Private Dialogue to Drive Decent and Sustainable Job Creation, Enhancing Namibia’s Competitiveness’.Wake-up callThe president further noted that unemployment figures should serve as a wake-up call to motivate Namibians to uplift others.“How can I be a proud Namibian when I travel the world and hear that 44.4% of young Namibians are unemployed? Would you want to hear that? I certainly do not, and I believe no one does,” she said.She added: “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 proven that unity and determination can turn impossibility into progress. We once faced the strongest army on the continent, so why can’t we face and conquer poverty, unemployment and despair? We can, and I believe in the faces I see before me.”nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

President rejects ‘beggar nation’ mindset in global dealings

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-30

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President rejects ‘beggar nation’ mindset in global dealings

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-30

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