President Hage Geingob says it is clear that the year being entered, 2024, promises the delivery of tangible outcomes that have been carefully curated throughout.
Dr. Geingob christened 2024 the Year of Expectations and the Year of Elections, which will be a new beginning for the Namibian House.
The Head of State outlined these in his New Year's Message.
"In 2024, we expect the announcement of concrete outcomes from the intensive offshore drilling of oil. Several uranium mines will re-commence operations. At least three pilot projects in the green hydrogen space should conclude construction activities. The Walvis Bay container terminal concession should become effective, paving the way for increased investment and container traffic in this strategic logistics corridor."
Another promising sector that is poised to return to pre-COVID-19 levels is tourism.
President Geingob revealed that in 2023 alone, 64 cruise liners docked at the Port of Walvis Bay, bringing thousands of tourists and revitalising small businesses in the tourism sector.
Green hydrogen, currently in the development phase, is further expected to help develop subsequent industries to the benefit of Namibians.
"Due to these efforts, according to the Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Performance Index, Namibia was ranked first in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2022. The GDP growth of 7.2% in the third quarter should give all of us hope and optimism for a future of shared prosperity. We are deliberate in using the interest in green hydrogen to stimulate other sectors of our economy and new adjacent industries, including logistics, agriculture, and sustainable manufacturing. Namibia's efforts to develop green maritime corridors and to cultivate giant kelp forests, including the production of hot briquetted iron, are but a few examples of adjacent industries that will benefit from our concerted efforts to ensure that Namibia becomes a hub of clean energy and green industries."
The Head of State thus appeals to Namibians to seize the opportunities that are in line with the government's ambitions and expectations and redouble efforts.
"I call on each one of you to work harder for our collective welfare. I call on all of you to hold hands and ensure that no one feels left out of the Namibian House. With these words, on the eve of the year 2024, the Year of Expectations, the Year of Elections, it will be a new beginning for the Namibian House. Therefore, I extend my best wishes for the new year to all of you. Happy New Year!"