Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on the private sector to join hands with the government in addressing unemployment and driving Namibia’s economic transformation, saying the country’s future depends on collaboration, innovation and shared responsibility. Speaking at the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum (NamPPF) on Thursday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government is determined to create an enabling environment for business growth, but success will require the active participation of all stakeholders.

According to Namibia press Agency, President Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined a bold goal of creating 500,000 jobs over the next five years, emphasizing that while job creation may not rest solely with the government, it is their responsibility to foster an environment conducive to business expansion and employment. She highlighted the need to remove obstacles, simplify procedures, and ensure thriving enterprises. The President stressed the importance of private sector involvement in investing in local value chains, supporting small and medium enterprises, and focusing on community upliftment.

The President identified seven priority areas under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), including agriculture, sports, youth empowerment, quality education and training, creative industries, quality health and social welfare, and land, housing, and sanitation. Sectors such as mining, energy, water, tourism, fisheries, oil and gas, infrastructure development, and transport and logistics are expected to drive these priorities.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated that the government cannot achieve these goals alone, emphasizing that Namibia’s progress hinges on a shared effort between the government, business, civil society, and development partners. She also confirmed her administration’s commitment to reform outdated laws to ensure a stable regulatory environment that encourages investment. The Namibia Public-Private Forum gathered key government institutions and leading private sector associations for a high-level dialogue aimed at fostering joint responses to Namibia’s economic challenges. The forum is being conducted under the theme “Public-Private Dialogue to Drive Decent and Sustainable Job Creation: Enhancing Namibia’s Competitiveness.”