In his first six months in office, President Nangolo Mbumba has navigated Namibia through a period of profound change and challenge following the passing of his predecessor, Dr Hage Geingob, in February 2024. Reflecting on this transition, President Mbumba has demonstrated a steady hand in guiding the nation through mourning and uncertainty, steering the country towards a phase of recovery and progress.
Despite the difficult circumstances of assuming office, President Mbumba has made significant strides in stabilising the country and advancing key priorities. His approach has been marked by a commitment to dialogue and collaboration with industry leaders and political figures alike. According to the presidential press secretary, Dr Alfredo Hengari, President Mbumba has sought to address challenges and foster solutions that resonate with the broader needs of Namibians.
With the presidential and National Assembly elections in November 2024, the president has engaged with political parties to ensure a peaceful and stable electoral environment, emphasising the crucial role of political stability in facilitating national development and calling on all parties to uphold this principle.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB CREATION
“The economy is showing signs of recovery, with a reported 4.2% growth last year and a positive outlook for the current year. Inflation rates are decreasing due to effective macroeconomic policies, and efforts are underway to enhance Namibia’s competitiveness as an investment destination,” said Hengari. Notably, President Mbumba has championed the green hydrogen sector as a strategic priority with his recent visit to Lüderitz. The green hydrogen initiative, alongside the establishment of a joint venture with Belgian partners in clean energy, highlights the country’s tangible steps towards combating climate change and creating employment opportunities. According to Hengari, over US$500 million has been invested in the green sector to date, resulting in more than 300 permanent jobs. The mining sector, particularly oil and gas, continues to show promising prospects, attracting significant global investment. “These developments reflect President Mbumba’s ongoing efforts to address youth unemployment and drive economic growth,” Hengari added.
HEALTH
As the president continues to address pressing issues in Namibia, the health sector remains a key priority. Recognising that a healthy nation is a prosperous nation, the president is committed to enhancing both the accessibility and quality of healthcare services across the country with recent initiatives that include the potential establishment of new clinics in Nkurenkuru and the groundbreaking ceremony for a new hospital in Katutura. “These developments reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to meet the growing demand for healthcare services due to population growth,” said Hengari.
According to the press secretary, President Mbumba remains focused on expanding and upgrading health facilities to better serve Namibians, despite fiscal constraints which include the economic challenges from the commodity cycle bust and the impact of Covid-19.
EDUCATION
In terms of the education sector, the government has secured a loan from the African Development Bank to improve school infrastructure, with approximately 500 new classrooms built in the past year to accommodate more learners. Ongoing efforts are also directed towards enhancing teacher training and ensuring that educational qualifications meet high standards. President Mbumba, a former education minister, emphasises the importance of aligning educational programmes with the demands of a modern economy, advocating for students to pursue fields relevant to economic growth, such as green technology, engineering and advanced healthcare specialist fields, in preparation for the fourth industrial revolution. In terms of social support programmes, the president is working to expand the school feeding programme, which currently benefits around 400,000 students. Hengari notes that while resources are limited, the government is taking incremental steps towards a broader implementation of a basic income grant. Presently, over 40,000 Namibians benefit from a modified basic income grant, and 200,000 elderly citizens receive old-age pensions. Despite resource constraints, the government is committed to maximising the impact of available funds to support vulnerable populations.
RETIRING
Mbumba was recently bestowed the honour of The Most Ancient Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis, an accolade that recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. “I want to thank the great people of our beloved nation, the Land of the Brave, for the trust and confidence you have vested in me during my current tenure and in my various portfolios. Words cannot express fully the depth of my gratitude and emotions. However, I thank you all, wholeheartedly, for bestowing upon me this great honour,” said Mbumba. The president has expressed his desire to retire from active public service for the government. “I think we all agree that his contribution to our republic has been exemplary,” Hengari added.
Maggie Forcelledo Paz
