Editorial: Balancing local pride with global expertise

Minister Veikko Nekundi’s call to prioritise Namibians in state procurement and infrastructure projects is a bold step toward economic justice. His stance against foreign contractors taking lucrative government tenders is a necessary shift that promises to empower local businesses and communities. But while the directive to make Namibians the first choice is crucial, we mustn’t let this good intention blind us to the reality that sometimes, the expertise we need isn’t yet homegrown.

Yes, local participation should be maximised - especially in regions like Erongo, where the benefits of large contracts should stay within Namibia. But we must recognise that in high-stakes industries, like oil and gas, the expertise required often comes from abroad. Insisting on “locals at all costs” could risk stalling vital projects or compromising on quality. At times, foreign expertise is not just a necessity; it’s an investment in our future.

Nekundi’s directive rightly pushes for a Namibia-first approach. But let's remember: growth comes from a blend of local pride and global know-how. The goal isn’t to shut out the world but to invite it in, learning from the best, while ensuring the benefits flow back to our people. We must strike a balance - bringing in the skills we lack while giving our people the tools to rise to the challenge.

A prosperous Namibia will thrive not by closing its doors, but by opening them to the right expertise at the right time, all while building the capacity of our own. Let’s prioritise locals, but not to the detriment of our ambitions. The world’s expertise can be the ladder we climb, so long as the view from the top belongs to Namibia.