Namibia’s newly elected President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, pledged on Friday to enhance investments in the agricultural sector and diversify the nation’s resource-driven economy in a bid to tackle the high unemployment rates.
At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female president after her SWAPO party, which has led the country of approximately 3 million people for over three decades, secured victories in both the presidential and parliamentary elections in November.
While Namibia has experienced robust economic growth in recent years, largely driven by investments in oil, gas, and green hydrogen, World Bank data shows the country faces one of the highest levels of income inequality in the world.
In her inaugural address following her swearing-in, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized, “We will increase investments in the agriculture sector to boost output and meet domestic food needs.”
She also highlighted the importance of diversifying the economy to ensure that Namibians can “derive maximum benefits from our country’s natural resources through value addition.”
The president stressed that diversification would create much-needed jobs, particularly for the unemployed, many of whom are young people.
Additionally, she underscored the need for upholding high ethical standards among public servants and combating corruption.
SWAPO’s popularity has waned in recent years due to dissatisfaction over high unemployment, inequality, and corruption scandals.
In the November election, the party garnered 57% of the vote, a significant drop from the 87% it received in the 2014 election.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration ceremony was attended by seven current and nine former African presidents.
Last month, Namibia’s Supreme Court dismissed a challenge by opposition parties against the presidential election results, which claimed the vote was flawed due to the extended voting period, among other issues.
Germany Temporarily Shuts Embassy In South Sudan Amid Rising Fears Of Civil War
Email your news TIPS to Editor@NairobiNews.co.ke
