Chamwe Kaira
Presidential press secretary Jonas Mbambo says President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first year in office has been about action with purpose.
He said four areas stand out most in her first year: youth empowerment, health reform, infrastructure and agriculture, and international relations.
“The first is youth empowerment. Through the establishment of the National Youth Empowerment Fund, she has created real opportunities for young Namibians to access finance and turn their ideas into something tangible,” Mbambo said. “In its first phase, 42 youth-led projects received about N$14 million in funding, and that’s just the beginning of a N$500 million initiative that will continue to grow over time.”
He said another highlight was reform in the health sector.
“Her decision to cut out middlemen who were inflating the cost of medicine has already saved the country around N$221 million. That shows leadership with courage and a deep sense of accountability to the people.”
Mbambo said the President has placed strong emphasis on energy, infrastructure, and agriculture as the foundation of national development.
“She has been very clear that you cannot talk about progress without reliable power, good roads, efficient transport networks and strong food systems. These are the enablers she often refers to, the things that keep the economy moving.”
He added that on the international front, Nandi-Ndaitwah has strengthened Namibia’s diplomatic footprint, reasserting the country’s place in the region and globally, while promoting unity, inclusion and gender equality at home.
“All of this reflects a leader who is deliberate about delivery but deeply grounded in values.”
Mbambo said many of her plans are already in motion, with education as a major focus.
“The groundwork is already being laid for subsidised tertiary education from 2026, which will make higher learning more accessible for many young Namibians who previously could not afford it.”
He said in the energy sector, the government has established the National Nuclear Energy Committee to explore the possibility of nuclear power as part of the country’s long-term energy mix.
Agriculture is also receiving renewed investment through the revitalisation of the Green Schemes, which aim to improve food production and create sustainable rural jobs.
“At the same time, there is ongoing work to improve the country’s transport and logistics systems, such as roads, ports, storage and connectivity, because those are the arteries of the economy. When those enablers function well, everything else from business to farming to trade starts working better,” he said.
Mbambo said while progress has been made, there is still room for improvement.
“Infrastructure, especially in rural areas, needs to be developed faster to bridge inequality. Youth empowerment needs not just funding but continuous mentorship and market linkages. The President is aware of these gaps, and that is why her focus has been on building systems that last, not just quick wins,” he added.
He said the President’s priorities remain rooted in economic transformation, social justice, and good governance.
“The diamond sector, which has long been one of Namibia’s strongest industries, now faces competition from synthetic diamonds. That calls for innovation, new ideas and more local value addition.”
Mbambo noted that the discovery of oil and gas is both exciting and sobering.
“History has shown that for many African countries, oil can be both a gift and a curse. It can transform economies, but if mismanaged, it can also divide nations and breed corruption. Namibia is determined to steer clear of that curse. The President has been clear that this discovery is not something to fear but something to manage wisely.”
He said the government is determined to ensure transparency, accountability, and foresight.
“We are learning from those who went before us, understanding where some stumbled, and making sure we avoid those same pitfalls. Accountability remains right at the top of the agenda.”
Mbambo said the creative industry and the broader youth sector remain close to the President’s heart.
“The President firmly believes that Namibia’s young people are not just beneficiaries of development; they are its driving force.” He said she often recalls how her journey began when others believed in her potential as a young woman. “That early encouragement shaped her life, and it is the same spirit she now brings into leadership. Whether it is through arts, media, entrepreneurship or innovation, she wants young Namibians to feel seen, supported and trusted to lead.”
On her birthday, Mbambo said the President values privacy and simplicity. “She usually celebrates her birthday quietly, surrounded by close family, friends and colleagues. It is a day of reflection and gratitude.”
“This year is special. It is her first birthday as Head of State, and it carries both personal and national meaning. It is not just about celebrating life but about reaffirming her dedication to serve the Namibian people with humility and purpose. But who knows? She might just surprise us; it’s business as unusual.”
He said the President often reminds Namibians that leadership is not a one-person show. “We can have different political views or opinions about how things should be done, but what is important is that we stay constructive. It is easy to criticise, but it is even more powerful to contribute ideas and solutions.”
Mbambo said the President always encourages citizens to help find solutions.
“That is the spirit of nation-building. We all have a role to play in taking Namibia to the next level, and for her, that shared responsibility is what truly defines leadership.”
