Justicia Shipena
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned that global economic recovery will remain uneven if international governance systems do not become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of developing countries.
She made the remarks during the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Johannesburg, South Africa over the weekend.
Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the recognition of Africa’s role in the global economy and the need to approach development priorities from an African perspective.
“We cannot emphasise enough the growing recognition of Africa’s role in the global economy and the importance of addressing development priorities from an African perspective,” she said.
She said equitable global governance structures are key to addressing the challenges faced by developing countries.
“Our focus on advancing the transformation of global governance must be underpinned by the common understanding that only an inclusive and representative international system will have the capacity to respond to present-day challenges,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah cautioned that antiquated global financial systems persist in subjecting developing countries to mounting debt pressures, thereby exacerbating the divide between wealthy and impoverished nations.
She said trade and strong productive economies remain central to sustainable growth, and she highlighted Namibia’s efforts to diversify its economy, promote value addition and strengthen food security.
She called for deeper regional integration, improved infrastructure and a stronger implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock opportunities across the continent.
She also noted that debt servicing still weighs heavily on national budgets and urged G20 leaders to strengthen global debt treatment frameworks and expand concessional financing for countries that show fiscal discipline.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said rising wealth inequality threatens development and social cohesion and called on the G20 to commit to growth that benefits all.
This year’s summit took place under the theme “Building an Inclusive and Sustainable Global Economy”.
The G20 consists of 19 major economies and two regional bodies, the European Union and the African Union. With the AU holding a permanent seat since 2023, Africa’s priorities now form part of the forum’s long-term agenda.
South Africa, the only African G20 member, assumed the 2025 presidency and became the first African country to host a G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged global leaders during a separate G20 session on disaster risk reduction, climate change, the just energy transition, and food systems to strengthen support for Africa’s resilience efforts.
She warned that rising climate shocks and declining international assistance threaten progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
“As the cost of disasters increases and international assistance dwindles, more and urgent concrete actions are needed in the next five years,” she said.
She emphasised that Africa’s response must be transformative and bolstered by equitable access to finance and technology.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged G20 members to work with Africa to build a global food system that prioritises resilience, equity and inclusive production.
She also announced Namibia’s bid to host one of the two African Regional Hubs of the Green Climate Fund and appealed to G20 leaders for their support.
Caption
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took part in the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa over the weekend at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- Photo: Namibian Presidency
