Economist calls for caution in implementing government handouts

Martin Endjala Local economist and independent researcher, Joseph Sheehama, has strongly opposed the government's plans to introduce a Condition of Basic Income Grant (CBIG) for every unemployed Namibian between the ages of 18 and 59. He believes that while the initiative is commendable, it represents a temporary solution that can promote complacency in terms of innovation and creativity, hindering economic growth. Sheehama pointed out that Namibia faces a critical challenge in the form of high unemployment, which perpetuates the cycle of widespread poverty. He argued that what the country needs is entrepreneurship, not handouts. "Instead of handouts, provide a scheme…