‘Good governance replaced with desperate investment campaigns’
A trend of finding solutions abroad risks the future of the country
The current pace at which government is promoting the country demonstrates desperation and places the country in a vulnerable position.
Political analysts argue that Namibia’s leadership has replaced sound governance and resource management with international investment campaigns in the hopes of salvaging Namibia’s economy.
Ndumba Kamwanyah and Germany-based Namibian Professor Joseph Diescho both warned that a trend of finding solutions abroad risks the future of the country, which is currently being “sold to the highest bidder.”
Kamwanyah spoke during a telephonic interview over the weekend, while Diescho aired his views in a widely circulated five-page opinion piece, titled ‘Good governance of resources, not investors, can keep Namibia peaceful and stable for good investments’.
Both argue that financiers will not risk investing in a country where citizens are frustrated and disgruntled.
Unconvincing
They also cautioned that powerpoint presentations abroad will not sway international investors, who employ diligent researchers to identify suitable investment opportunities.
Namibia recently wrapped up its Dubai Expo exhibition, followed by attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Namibia was represented by high-level dignitaries including President Hage Geingob.
Means well
In his opinion piece, Diescho questioned government's heavy reliance on foreign investors.
“We all know and must appreciate that the government means well. Yet the zeal and enthusiasm by the government to attract foreign investors as if independence came just yesterday, is more than odd, if not suspicious.
“Something is odd when everything else by way of government is pushed onto the back-burner and replaced by investment campaigns and international travels. Governing the country (well) cannot be replaced by expensive international expos in the name of bringing foreign investments.”
Vulnerability
The current pace at which government is promoting the country, according to Kamwanyah, demonstrates desperation and places the country in a vulnerable position.
“You don’t market yourself to the extent where you seem vulnerable and I think that’s what we are observing,” he said.
“I can tell you that no investor is going to come into a country where it seems that there is some sense of vulnerability. A sort of unrest may start if you look at our economic situation. Investors will think twice when they see these signs.”
He noted that the Namibian youth appear to be restless amidst the current economic strains.
“We can go all out to try and invite them, it will be a tall order. We are in a deep hole, but what I can say is that we should not be driven by desperation as we think of our economic development or agenda.”
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Ndumba Kamwanyah and Germany-based Namibian Professor Joseph Diescho both warned that a trend of finding solutions abroad risks the future of the country, which is currently being “sold to the highest bidder.”
Kamwanyah spoke during a telephonic interview over the weekend, while Diescho aired his views in a widely circulated five-page opinion piece, titled ‘Good governance of resources, not investors, can keep Namibia peaceful and stable for good investments’.
Both argue that financiers will not risk investing in a country where citizens are frustrated and disgruntled.
Unconvincing
They also cautioned that powerpoint presentations abroad will not sway international investors, who employ diligent researchers to identify suitable investment opportunities.
Namibia recently wrapped up its Dubai Expo exhibition, followed by attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Namibia was represented by high-level dignitaries including President Hage Geingob.
Means well
In his opinion piece, Diescho questioned government's heavy reliance on foreign investors.
“We all know and must appreciate that the government means well. Yet the zeal and enthusiasm by the government to attract foreign investors as if independence came just yesterday, is more than odd, if not suspicious.
“Something is odd when everything else by way of government is pushed onto the back-burner and replaced by investment campaigns and international travels. Governing the country (well) cannot be replaced by expensive international expos in the name of bringing foreign investments.”
Vulnerability
The current pace at which government is promoting the country, according to Kamwanyah, demonstrates desperation and places the country in a vulnerable position.
“You don’t market yourself to the extent where you seem vulnerable and I think that’s what we are observing,” he said.
“I can tell you that no investor is going to come into a country where it seems that there is some sense of vulnerability. A sort of unrest may start if you look at our economic situation. Investors will think twice when they see these signs.”
He noted that the Namibian youth appear to be restless amidst the current economic strains.
“We can go all out to try and invite them, it will be a tall order. We are in a deep hole, but what I can say is that we should not be driven by desperation as we think of our economic development or agenda.”
[email protected]
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