Windhoek: Urban and Rural Development Deputy Minister Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele has highlighted the lack of political will among African leaders as the major impediment to the continent's economic development.

According to Namibia Press Agency, during the budget debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, !Nawases-Taeyele said widespread apathy in leadership has relegated Africa to a position of dependency on aid, as the continent continues to outsource its own wealth by not processing its natural resources. She remarked that the lack of political will among African nations hampers the beneficiation of economies, reducing African states to mere recipients of aid and fostering economic malpractices by directing the value chain to foreign processors and manufacturers.

The deputy minister called for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to safeguard African interests, minerals, and sovereignty. She highlighted that many African nations frequently struggle to protect their mineral wealth from influence or exploitation by stronger nations. !Nawases-Taeyele stressed the need for Africa to have a decision-making body akin to the UNSC, urging for its reform to benefit underdeveloped and developing countries.

She pointed out that despite its mineral wealth, Africa is often targeted by superpowers, marginalised in negotiations, and subjected to exploitation and unequal, neo-colonial relationships with stronger countries. !Nawases-Taeyele asserted that to safeguard its minerals, Namibia must follow the Eighth Administration's directive to place its newly discovered strategic resource, oil, under the direct supervision of the presidency, describing this as a wise decision.

Throughout history, nations that have discovered strategic natural resources have often chosen to protect them by placing their management under the highest state authority. This approach is common among states recognizing the substantial opportunities and risks associated with valuable natural resources.

Namibia's rich natural resources can be both an advantage and a challenge if not properly managed. Many view the situation as a 'double-edged sword,' reliant on the effectiveness of systems, institutions, and governance, she said.