President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is urging Namibian businesses to invest in local production, value addition and innovation to boost industrial growth and create jobs.
Speaking at the official opening of SWAiTEX 2026 in Swakopmund, the president called on entrepreneurs to seize opportunities in emerging industries and expanding African markets.
Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia must move beyond exporting raw materials and focus on local processing, manufacturing and value addition, particularly in oil and gas, renewable energy, green hydrogen and rare earth minerals.
"The Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), under the theme "Fostering Economic Growth, Inclusiveness and Resilience for Sustainable Development," places economic transformation, diversification, value addition and employment creation at the centre of our development agenda. NDP6 calls for a stronger shift from dependence on raw-material exports to higher-value production, beneficiation, and the development of competitive industries. It also emphasises youth empowerment, effective institutions, and partnerships that can turn national priorities into results."
She says SWAiTEX should deliver tangible business deals, partnerships and opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
The President also highlighted the Port of Walvis Bay and regional transport corridors as key gateways for connecting Namibian products to international markets.
"Namibia's location offers a significant strategic advantage. Through the Port of Walvis Bay and our transport and economic corridors, including the Trans-Kalahari, Trans- Caprivi and Trans-Cunene corridors, we can connect our own producers and neighbouring landlocked economies to regional and international markets. We must continue to invest in the reliability, efficiency and competitiveness of this gateway, while ensuring that the benefits of trade and logistics reach businesses and communities throughout all fourteen regions."
Nandi-Ndaitwah said some resolutions from the Namibia Public-Private Forum are being implemented, including five-year business visas for qualifying investors.
She called for stronger government-private sector partnerships to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.