Namibia's emerging oil and gas, green energy and critical minerals sectors are presenting new economic opportunities, but questions remain about how these developments will translate into jobs and inclusive growth for ordinary Namibians.
This was among the key issues raised at the National Planning Commission's 2026 Development Partners Forum, held in collaboration with the United Nations.
As Namibia positions itself to benefit from its emerging energy and critical minerals industries, the National Planning Commission (NPC) says economic growth must go beyond attracting investment to ensuring that opportunities reach the broader population.
Executive Director of the NPC, I-Ben Nashandi, says youth unemployment, entrepreneurship and innovation must be prioritised in discussions around the country's development agenda.
"Economic growth must embrace our young people, our women, our rural communities, people with disabilities, and local enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for it to be sustainable. Similarly, any expansion in the economy must support economic environmental sustainability and must really build on the domestic productive capacity so that we can secure long-term prosperity."
He says Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) provides a framework for inclusive growth, built around economic transformation, human resilience, environmental sustainability and effective governance.
Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Hopolang Phororo, challenged development partners to ensure that commitments made at such forums translate into tangible results.
"The challenge before us is therefore not simply how to convene good discussions. It is how to ensure that the ideas, partnerships, and commitments generated through these discussions continue beyond the day of the forum and contribute to implementation and results."
Phororo says the United Nations remains committed to supporting Namibia, not only through financial resources but also by facilitating dialogue, sharing expertise and strengthening partnerships.
The forum seeks to promote transparency, public awareness and cooperation among development partners while ensuring that Namibia's economic opportunities contribute to decent employment and sustainable development for all.