The levels of inequality in Namibia are a cause for concern.
This is the view of Mally Likukela, an economist at Twilight Capital, commenting on the recent report of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development.
Likukela says the gap between the rich and the poor has various dimensions, such as gender, where females are more disproportionately on the lower side.
He cited as an example the regional dimension, where inequality is quite rapid.
"Without understanding these dimensions, we won't be talking of inequality at a more generalized level. Who is the most affected among those that are not equal? When I looked at this a bit closer, I realized that the inequality level is actually worse than we thought. Because when we go deeper and understand the real set up of the real dimension of inequality, it's worse than what has been reported because it's just at a general level, not knowing exactly who are the most affected parts within this whole equation," he added.
Likukela says that the government's decision to lock down the country during COVID-19 widened the inequality gap.
"COVID-19 has undoubtedly contributed a lot, but it has also exacerbated the problem that we have, moreover, COVID-19 exposed the structural weaknesses of our economic system. It exposed the loopholes. It is now for us as policymakers to look beyond instances; now we know what we didn't know. What do we do next? And the answer is obvious. We must embark on inclusive policies. Otherwise, the gap between the rich and the poor will remain the same."
The government has placed poverty and inequality at the forefront of the development agenda, Vision 2030, and vehicles such as the National Development Plan, aimed at alleviating poverty and inequality.
Despite these efforts, Likukela claims that Namibia still has a high level of inequality.
"For me, the issue is that we haven't yet gotten to the root of poverty and inequality. We know that what we are trying to deal with is a symptom of a much broader problem. And until we resolve that, we are not going to do much despite all these policy documents, and government interventions."
The UNRISD report suggested working towards the creation of a new eco-social contract and a policy approach based on alternative economies, among others.
"This suggestion from the United Nations is actually within the reach of Namibia, and if fully implemented, I believe that it will make a dent in alleviating poverty, bridging the gap between the haves and the have-nots, and eradicating or reducing inequality."