An economist and director general of the Emergence Consulting Group of Senegal has called on the Namibian government to invest in innovation, which he said plays a crucial role in the economic growth and development of countries, particularly emerging economies like Namibia.

During a guest lecture at NUST, Moubarack Lô said investing in innovation would open opportunities for social equality and a stronger global presence for Namibia.

Lô further added that Namibia, as an emerging economy, is in a unique position to adopt new technologies, driven by its youthful population.

"I can tell you without any delays that the most important thing for your country is innovation; you are the one that needs to make this happen. On average, you are good compared to other African countries, even developing countries, but in innovation, you are very low, and this is where you should put your efforts – maybe have more schools in the country and ensure that when young people leave these schools, they are capable of developing this innovative approach. But innovation is more than technology; it's about how you deliver it. It's not just about inventing."

As an emerging economy, he suggested Namibia focus the discussion on transformation and research for optimum benefit.

"If I have to invest, I will invest here with coordination. In 2035, you will be an emerging economy, I am sure. You just need to coordinate and organize yourself; some countries are not in this position. Just improve your innovation and also develop diversification of the economy, and the growth will be there. You have the potential of having 7 percent growth for the next 10 years, and the goal should be to achieve eight percent."

Present at the lecture was the former Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, who agreed with the need for more investment, saying there is a need for the government to invest more in the country's innovation projects.

"As a deputy minister of HETI, I had an issue with that component of innovation. It's not that innovation is poor; the innovators, my young people, their innovation in our public and private sector is being killed. Whenever innovators approach us, we don't look at what they are bringing to the table; we see them instead as a threat—they will come and take my position. But like he said, it is bigger than technology; let us innovate."

The lecture focused on strategies for economic emergence, regional integration, and strengthening economic and cultural ties between Namibia and Senegal.