Business leaders paid tribute to Namibia's late leader for his major role in helping to bring Namibia's economy to growth.
Director of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vetumbuavi Mungunda, said the late Sam Nujoma understood how important business was for economic progress and creating jobs for Namibians.
Mungunda recognises that unemployment is still a problem, which makes it harder to reduce poverty, but he believes the late Nujoma laid a strong foundation.
He said it is now up to the current generation to continue his work.
"Among his priorities after independence was championing the creation of a united business chamber of commerce, from the fragmented race-based chambers that existed before independence to what is today the NCCI."
Mungunda also spoke about the importance of adding value to Namibia's natural resources and helping local industries, especially in agriculture and mining.
George Botshiwe, First Vice President of the Chamber of Mines, also praised Nujoma's leadership during Namibia's fight for independence.
"His leadership extended beyond the political realm, fostering unity and reconciliation among Namibians. His vision for a strong, united, progressive Namibia continues to inspire us all today. The Chamber of Mines acknowledges Dr. Nujoma's significant contributions to the mining sector, which has been the cornerstone of the Namibian economy. His policies and initiatives have paved the way for sustainable development and growth within the industry, benefitting countless Namibians. He believed that education was the greatest equaliser."
Botshiwe said that Nujoma proved it was never too late to learn, noting that he earned a master's degree in geology from the University of Namibia when he was 76 years old.
John Kasoana expressed that the rural community and the Namibian people are thankful to the Founding President for creating a constitution that is inclusive and protects wildlife and natural resources for future sustainability.
"Your work and dedication towards conservation and the plights of those living with various wildlife will forever be remembered."
The Executive Director in the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, said that Vision 2030, which aims to build an industrialised nation through human resources, is a legacy Namibians will continue to pursue in honour of the late Nujoma.
"And those human resources are you and me. We have heard about the resources that are in the ground, resources that are on land and in the sea, but the most important of all the resources that the beloved president, our hero, treasured the most were us, the human beings."