Namibia needs to embrace a knowledge-based economy to accelerate development and ensure that economic opportunities are not concentrated only in major cities and towns. 

Prominent businessman Dr Leake Hangala remarked on the need for a knowledge-based economy while officiating at the Helao Nafidi Business Expo Gala Dinner, which took place at Helao Nafidi over the weekend. 

Helao Nafidi Town Council held its 19th Business Expo fundraising gala dinner to solicit funds for hosting the expo from the 26th of October to the 1st of November. 

The dinner raised N$220,000.

The guest speaker, the Founding Executive Chairman of Hangala Group, Leake Hangala, has underscored that Namibia's development requires greater attention to the governance and capacity of regions and local authorities.

Dr Hangala said there is a need to equip regional and local authorities to become genuine engines of development.

"The governance and capacity of our regions and local authorities. If we want Namibia to develop, we cannot concentrate all economic activity and decision-making capacity in Windhoek. Development must take place throughout Namibia. It must take place in our regions. It must take place in our towns. It must take place in our rural communities. And therefore, our regional and local authorities must be equipped to become genuine engines of development."

He emphasised the importance of knowledge and expertise in the leadership of town councils and municipalities, saying leadership is about town planning, economic development and financial management and should not only be based on political representation.

"We also need councillors who understand that governing a modern town is about much more than political representation. It is about economic development. It is about town planning. It is about infrastructure. It is about finance. It is about land. It is about housing. It is about investment. It is about service delivery."

Hangala also urged town authorities to be business-friendly with accessible services such as land.

"Our towns must become investment-friendly. And this brings me directly to Helao Nafidi. If we want to attract investment into our towns, we must make our local authorities

investment-friendly. Imagine that I am an investor coming to Helao Nafidi. I want to know:

Can I get land efficiently? Can I obtain approvals quickly? Are the officials professional? Can decisions be made within a reasonable time? Is there reliable electricity? Is there adequate water? Are roads good? Is telecommunications infrastructure available?"

He stated that investors do not invest merely because of incentives but rather choose locations where they can operate efficiently. He added that investors prioritise environments where government decisions are both transparent and timely.