A summit on responsible gambling is underway in Windhoek.
The summit brings together international experts, government institutions, gaming operators and civil society organisations to address gambling addiction as a growing public health and mental wellness concern.
The summit forms part of efforts to reposition gambling addiction from being viewed solely as a regulatory issue to one that requires a preventative, multi-sectoral response involving government, industry and communities.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Suzan Ndjaleka said gambling-related harm must be addressed through a public health lens.
"We expect to establish a dedicated task force directly from this event to guard, to monitor and to implement future interventions. Ladies and gentlemen, our gambling operators will look to you to co-create a system where consumer safety is primary, not an afterthought. Because that same person must go back to a family. That same person must know how responsible family is. We are not chasing away your customers. We are building a nation."
The Deputy Director for Gaming Control in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), which regulates the gambling and entertainment industry, Simeon Igwapha, said responsible gambling requires collaboration between all stakeholders.
"Namibia has established a framework that balances economic opportunity with consumer protection and social responsibility. Therefore, effective legislation protects participants, promotes responsible governing, ensures transparency and integrity and channels industry benefit toward national development."
NAMDEF Chairperson of the advisory committee Dr. Ndapewa Hamunime said sustained awareness and collective action are essential to fostering a culture of responsible gambling in the country.
"NAMDEF is not hosting this event to point fingers or stiffen commercial growth. We are here because we believe a well-regulated, deeply responsible gaming industry is a sustainable industry. We are here to co-create a system where consumer protection and financial resilience are built into the very fabric of how business is done in Libya."
The two-day engagement is expected to explore practical solutions to strengthen responsible gambling policies, prevention programmes and support services for people affected by gambling addiction in Namibia.