The Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation (MHETI), together with the National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST), launched the Bio-Economy Strategy in Windhoek.
Although the bio-economy consists of numerous stakeholders in diverse sectors, the function of coordinating the implementation of the national bio-economy strategy will rest with the National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology for the period 2024–2029.
Bio-economy Strategy, which aims to provide a road map on how to sustainably utilise finite living resources to produce products with economic potential and to create meaningful employment that leads to the alleviation of hunger and improved food security,.
In this strategy, it is envisioned that Namibia will harness the full potential of biological resources through biological innovations.
The bio-economy strategy plan also focuses on strategies that contribute to research and innovation by highlighting the need for an enabling environment for science, technology, and innovation.
Chairperson of the NCRST, Jacob Nyambe, expressed his gratitude towards this initiative, which makes Namibia the 2nd country to restructure its biodiversity strategy in Africa across sectors.
"Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to harness the power of diversity, nature, and innovation to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. The bio-economy strategy represents a bold vision, a vision where economic growth is not at odds with environmental sustainability but rather intertwined with it, where prosperity is not measured solely by GDP but also by the contributions from the broader economy, industry, and sustainable utilisation of natural resources."
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation Natalia |Goagoses shared her expectations through this initiative, highlighting that the bio-economy strategy plan should not only be a decorated piece of paper but should yield tangible results that will contribute to the economy.
"It's one thing to launch the strategies and the strategic plans; again, it's another thing to implement them. We want the tangible output and results of what we are promising the nation to come out of these discussions."
She further said that Namibians should remember that although it is good to create employment and come up with businesses by using natural resources, natural resources should be used responsibly and sustainably.