Recognise the creative sector as an economic force, Nujoma says

Namibia must move beyond viewing culture solely as a means of preserving heritage and instead recognise the creative sector as an important contributor to job creation, enterprise and economic growth, Khomas governor Sam Nujoma says.

Nujoma made the call on Wednesday at the official opening of Namibia – A Photographic View in Windhoek, an exhibition showcasing works centred on Namibia’s communities, environment, drought and climate change. “We must therefore begin recognising artists as entrepreneurs, employers, innovators and contributors to national economic growth,” Nujoma said.

The exhibition is the result of cooperation between the City of Windhoek, the City of Mannheim in Germany, the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen and the National Art Gallery of Namibia. It was launched in Mannheim in November 2025, then returned to Windhoek.

Nujoma said the initiative shows that the power of international cultural cooperation could move beyond symbolic exchanges and create practical opportunities for Namibian creatives. “The exhibition we open today is itself the fruit of co-production," he said.

He urged the two cities to continue deepening the partnership through joint exhibitions, artist residencies, curatorial exchanges and skills-transfer programmes for young photographers and filmmakers. “Every such co-production places Namibian creative work before European audiences and brings international expertise, investment and visibility into our creative sector,” the governor said.

Bringing people together

Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona described the exhibit as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between the two cities.

"It is a celebration of friendship, cooperation and shared values between our two cities that, although separated by thousands of kilometres, remain connected through a common belief that culture has the power to bring people together, inspire dialogue and contribute to a sustainable future,” Uunona said.

The exhibition, he added, allowed Namibian photographers to tell authentic stories about the country through their own perspectives and lived experiences. “The photographs presented in this exhibition therefore offer us more than visual experiences. They invite us to reflect on who we are, the communities in which we live and the environmental and social challenges that shape our lives,” Uunona said.

Among the featured works is internationally acclaimed photographer Margaret Courtney-Clarke’s Geographies of Drought, which focuses on the effects of drought and environmental change on Namibian communities.

Uunona said Namibia’s recurring droughts impact food security, biodiversity, livelihoods and the well-being of communities. “Yet, beyond the hardship, these photographs tell another story. They reveal resilience, innovation and courage,” he said.

He also singled out Namibian photographer and visual storyteller Rachel Ngeitokondjo Sakeus, whose documentary Tura Story received an honourable mention. Uunona said Sakeus’ work demonstrated the talent emerging from Namibia’s younger generation and called for greater support for young creatives to access local and international audiences.