The Minister of Works and Transport said that the expansion of the local aviation sector requires new collaboration, coordination, and cooperation.
John Mutorwa, who was speaking during the Aviation Development Africa Conference, emphasised that this would create new opportunities for investment, employment, and skill development.
The 8th edition of AviaDev Africa is aimed at forging strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities that will deliver new air routes across Africa.
The conference will also address the importance of creating and maintaining travel routes and the positive impact they will have on the economy.
Minister John Mutorwa said that transport infrastructure plays a huge role as it allows individuals to trade freely, among other benefits.
"Namibia is surely the country to visit. It follows logically. Therefore, among the various sectors as I have enumerated them, the aviation or air transport sector is critically important for socioeconomic growth or even tourism."
The conference brings together influential stakeholders, including airlines, airports, tourism boards, government officials, and industry experts.
The Chief Executive Officer of Namibia Airports Company, Bisey |Uirab, says, "Namibia, as you have seen in the video, is a major tourist destination, and air travel is the primary way for tourists to get to our country. Therefore, strong air connections are essential for bringing in visitors who spend money on accommodation, food, souvenirs, and other amenities. This would obviously boost Namibia's economy. Well-maintained airports with good connections and facilities are critical to ensuring that we have business travellers coming to our country."