Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday urged Cabinet to accelerate the implementation of development programmes, warning that time constraints would define the performance of the Eighth Administration. Opening Cabinet for the 2026 calendar year, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that only four years remained of the five-year mandate to advance Vision 2030. "Every day, every hour and every decision must count," she stated.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Head of State stressed the importance of moving from routine processes to execution, focusing on results-based service delivery through the implementation of all decisions taken. She called for faster progress under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and measurable outcomes across its four pillars. "We must once again hit the ground running," she declared.

Nandi-Ndaitwah pointed out that public expectations for government delivery remained high, placing responsibility on Cabinet to act with discipline and unity of purpose. She highlighted the rollout of the Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model this year, noting that the system had commenced and registration was largely well received. "The system has started and by and large, the people are satisfied," she mentioned, adding that any operational challenges would be addressed during implementation.

On education outcomes, the President acknowledged progress in current Grade 11 and 12 results but noted they still fell short of the long-term target of a 90 percent pass rate, underscoring the need for sustained effort. "We still have a long way to go," she admitted. She emphasized that the 2026 calendar year required increased focus and discipline, particularly as the country navigates a global environment marked by uncertainty and complexity.

The President concluded by stating that the changing global context demanded "business unusual," as existing approaches to planning and execution could no longer remain unchanged.