Structural economic change needed

Namibia is facing an urgent need for a structural change in the economy to break out of commodity dependence and move to a more diversified base, which will increase manufacturing-based value addition, employment creation and export intensity.Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said this economic growth trajectory can only be achieved if manufacturers are manufacturing goods within internationally set standards for them to gain a reputable market, both nationally and internationally.Kuugongwelwa-Amadhila made these remarks during a courtesy call to factories at Ondangwa on Friday.After visiting Roama Gates Manufacturing, Country Roofing, Henning Crusher, Tumandje Burial Coffins Manufacturing and Blue Pointers Namibia, the prime minister said that she was pleased to witness and recognise that Namibian business people are finally manufacturing and producing goods of high quality which is an ambition advocated for in Vision 2030, the fifth National Development Plan and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.“It is quite pleasing to witness these, but let us make sure that we follow the international standards so that we can be able to export our products to other countries. Although this is a laudable progress, our manufacturing industries must grow at a much more rapid pace to absorb our growing labour force and surpass our extractive industries in terms of job creation, production, exports and public revenue,” Amadhila said.She said that for Namibia to overcome the urgent need for structural change in economy to break out of commodity dependence and move to a more diversified base, government is ready to support manufacturers, but only if they are complying to set international standards.“We can buy your products or help with manufacturing-based value addition as long as international standards are met. This is not an affirmative action scheme, but it is empowerment opportunity for you, the local manufacturers. So, let us not compromise the quality of manufactured goods,” Amadhila stressed.At the same occasion, the president for the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Sven Thieme, commended Namibians who took the risk which comes with entrepreneurship in the pursuit of their visions and dreams and in establishing elements that not only add value to the aspirations of entrepreneurs, but also create opportunities for Namibia. “Taking a stand on something you know is right can lead to innovation and further business opportunities and when we support these big thinkers we have the ability to amplify the opportunity for the benefit of our community and society at large,” Thieme maintained.Robby Amadhila, owner of steel products manufacturing, Roama Gates Manufacturing said that it is painful to see people coming up with very good economic growth initiatives, but they do not flourish.“Madam Prime Minister, let our lawmakers introduce a law that will allow government to take over economically viable businesses that are struggling to help build our economy. We are not going to do this to benefit individuals, but to assist growth the economy of our country. Some initiatives are very good, but they die because either the owner messes up or could not take it forward,” Amadhila said.ILENI NANDJATO

Structural economic change needed

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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Structural economic change needed

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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