Doubt looms over govt's economic recovery drive

Critics argue that before the government introduces any new initiative, there must be a clear evaluation of what went wrong in the past. They warn that any new body planned by the government cannot make meaningful improvements unless there is an honest assessment of why previous efforts failed to attract investments in due time.This follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement of plans to appoint three task forces in the coming weeks to address key economic challenges facing the country.Speaking recently at the Helao Nafidi Business Expo in the Ohangwena Region, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the task forces will focus on economic recovery, health, and housing - initiatives inspired by the recent Namibia Public-Private Forum (NPPF).According to her, she will appoint the three task forces on economic recovery, health, and housing, as agreed at the forum, emphasising the importance of creating a more conducive environment for private sector participation in national development.Reacting to this, the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement told Network Media Hub (NMH) on Monday that the government must first conduct a proper assessment of what happened after the previous investment conference.“What were the outcomes, and what revenue was actually generated from those initiatives? Did anything tangible come from them, or were they a total failure? In my argument, they were a total failure. The government can explain the headwinds, but the fact remains that the promised investments never materialised. For example, there was a major proposed investment for the Otavi Steel Plant. Where are these investments?” he questioned.He added that before introducing any new initiative, there must be a clear evaluation of what went wrong in the past.“This new body cannot make meaningful improvements unless there’s an honest assessment of why previous efforts failed to attract investments in due time.”Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said it is difficult to be optimistic.“We have seen many task forces before, especially under the late president Hage Geingob, but most produced reports that were never acted upon. Announcing a task force sounds good politically, but what matters is how its recommendations are planned, funded, and implemented, and who is appointed to lead the work. Without clear accountability and follow-through, President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new task forces may face the same fate,” he said.It has been six years since Geingob’s panel, set up to revive the economy, announced pledges worth more than N$20 billion.The Geingob High-Level Panel report refers to the final report of the High-Level Panel on the Namibian Economy (HLPNE), which was presented to Geingob on 25 February 2020. The panel was established to analyse Namibia’s economic landscape and propose recommendations for transformation and for addressing socio-economic challenges. Geingob commended the panel for its dedication and patriotism in carrying out this national assignment.The HLPNE, appointed by Geingob, held its first meeting on 16 May 2019. Its mandate was to provide a detailed diagnosis of the national economy and to recommend strategies to tackle key socio-economic issues. The report aimed to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the state of the economy and propose actionable solutions to promote growth and transformation.Although the report was formally presented to the President, the specific details of its findings and recommendations and how the public can access them, were not made clear in available sources.The Presidential LHPNE was chaired by Johannes !Gawaxab, with Nangula Uaandja as deputy chairperson.Asked whether all pledges were met, !Gawaxab told The Villager at the time:“I’m no longer there. Call Ms Nangula Uaandja. She was a member of the high-level panel and she’s the CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. Ask her what happened to the promises made at that summit. Because when we left, we handed the documents over to her new department. I wouldn’t know,” !Gawaxab said.He also explained that the panel’s mandate had expired, as it was only for one year, from February 2019 until March 2020.However, he added that one of the recommendations the High-Level Panel made was to establish the Investment Promotion and Development Board, to ensure Namibia attracts investment and follows up on all commitments made.The panel comprised !Gawaxab, his deputy Uaandja, Florette Nakusera, Estelle Tjipueja, Ester Simon, and Kauna Ndilula. Other members included Martin Shipanga, Jason Kasuto, Sven Thieme, Junias Mungunda, James Mnyupe, Kenneth Matengu, Michael Iyambo, Evangelina Nailenge, Gitta Paetzold, Justin Braby, Immanuel Kadhila, Klaus Schade, Banda Shilimela, Carlos Lopez, Joseph Okpaku, and Vuyo Jack. - nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Doubt looms over govt's economic recovery drive

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Republikein 2026-10-21

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Doubt looms over govt's economic recovery drive

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