President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has said the government's allocation of funding to sports infrastructure is a strategic investment to enable the industry to contribute to national development.

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia would also need stronger cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The President hosted the visiting IOC president-elect, Kirsty Coventry, and her delegation for a courtesy meeting at State House.

In the 2025/2026 national budget, the government allocated N$200 million towards basic sports infrastructure development.

Another N$200 million was allocated for the construction of category two stadiums across the country.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the allocations were carefully considered, given the economic and social potential of the sports sector.

Coventry applauded Namibia's commitment and budget allocation to sports development.

The former sports minister of Zimbabwe equally praised Nandi-Ndaitwah's ascension to the Presidency.

The former Olympic medallist and first African woman to be elected as IOC President is in Namibia for the continental Athletes' Forum taking place in Windhoek.