Namibia must negotiate from strength, says president
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told citizens on Wednesday to negotiate with foreign partners using the country’s natural resources as leverage rather than adopting what she called a poverty mentality. She addressed the Namibia Public-Private Forum and said the nation possesses minerals, agricultural land, and energy reserves that provide bargaining power in international discussions. The government plans to create 500,000 jobs over the next five years by reducing bureaucratic obstacles and upgrading infrastructure to attract investment.
Nandi-Ndaitwah identified mining, energy production, water management, agriculture, tourism, fisheries and petroleum extraction as priority sectors for economic expansion. She referenced pending changes to land legislation, petroleum regulations and investment promotion laws designed to strengthen the business climate. Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Titus Nampala said the private sector wants to collaborate with authorities to fulfill obligations to citizens through strategic planning and transparent communication with investors.
