A nation's wealth is not measured solely by the abundance of material possessions but rather by the collective effort of its people to create, innovate, and contribute to the betterment of society.

Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, Utoni Nujoma, shared these sentiments at the launch of this year's Annual Productivity Awareness Campaign Week.

Minister Nujoma has pointed out that productivity is the cornerstone upon which the structure of national prosperity is built, saying that productivity is the key source of economic growth and competitiveness.

A country's ability to improve its standard of living depends almost entirely on its ability to raise its output per worker, says the minister.

Productivity further encompasses the efficient utilisation of resources, the cultivation of skills and talents, and the relentless pursuit of progress.

This year, the productivity week celebrations will be held in the Erongo Region at the Erongo Expo under the theme "a productive nation is a wealthy nation."

"In a world where global dynamics are constantly shifting, those nations that have harnessed the power of productivity have stood the test of time. They have not only weathered economic storms but have also thrived and grown stronger. A productive nation recognises that it must adapt, evolve, and continuously seek new avenues for growth. It understands that wealth is not static but rather a dynamic entity that flows from the collective determination to excel."

A productive nation, says Nujoma, is not confined to its borders and should participate actively in the global economy, engaging in trade and cooperation, and sharing knowledge and expertise.

Productivity Week was first launched in 2018, and the ministry has held such an event annually in order to raise awareness about the importance of productivity to individuals and organisations.