Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Ithete is advocating for a review of policies to ensure that the country and its citizens benefit fairly from their natural resources, rather than relying solely on donations or handouts from the mining sector.
During a meet-and-greet visit with Swapo party regional leaders, Ithete emphasized the urgent need for Namibians to fully capitalize on the country's abundant natural resources, particularly in regions like Erongo, which are rich in natural deposits.
He pointed out the pressing issue of youth unemployment, which remains a significant challenge in the region.
Ithete expressed a desire for the youth to become more involved in the economic opportunities arising from the exploitation of these resources.
"We have natural resources in this country: copper, gold, uranium, diamonds, and fish in the sea. Why can we not use these resources to subsidize services, including electricity? These are costs we should not have to bear. We are working diligently to ensure that we are not deterred by those who typically oppose change. If we implement strong directives that will benefit our country, we might scare off some investors. However, there are millions of potential investors in the world. I can confidently say that if investors are unwilling to adhere to our policies, we will work with those who will come here on our terms."
The region's Governor, Neville Andre, noted that Ithete's visit coincides with the government's focus on addressing employment challenges and creating sustainable opportunities for youth.
"One of the challenges we face is youth unemployment. We need to implement various strategies to ensure we reduce unemployment in the region. The Erongo Region has numerous sectors that can contribute to decreasing unemployment. We can create job opportunities for our young people. I am pleased that the new administration is prioritizing the value addition to our natural resources, ensuring that they benefit all Namibians and address the broader issues of poverty in our country."