Interview: Josef Sheehama Calls for Namibia to Join BRICS to Boost Economic Growth and Industrialization

Economic expert Josef Sheehama made a strong case for Namibia to join the BRICS bloc, describing it as a smart and strategic move for the country’s future. Speaking about the fragile global economic and political environment, Sheehama stressed that Namibia can no longer afford to remain neutral but must diversify its international alliances and rebalance traditional ties to reduce dependence on partners who may not fully support its interests.

Sheehama highlighted that Namibia’s economy, despite some growth since independence, has faced stagnation and decline at times. Joining BRICS, he argued, could provide a path to modernization, greater self-sufficiency, poverty alleviation, and improved living standards — especially for vulnerable groups in rural and informal settlements.

“Through BRICS, Namibia will be able to accelerate economic growth and foster inclusive partnerships based on shared interests,” Sheehama said. He pointed to opportunities in infrastructure development, market integration, technological advancement, and industrialization, learning from the experiences of BRICS member countries.

Sheehama also emphasized the geopolitical advantages, noting Namibia’s position within the Global South and its existing strong commercial and diplomatic ties with key BRICS nations like China and South Africa. He pointed out that BRICS countries account for 6% of global GDP and over half of the world’s population by 2025, highlighting the potential economic benefits for Namibia.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of the government taking strategic action, including reforming trade and industry policies to enhance competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment. Sheehama also acknowledged Namibia’s growing trade volume with BRICS countries, estimating it at nearly 97 billion in 2022.

Despite Namibia’s absence from the 2024 BRICS summit in Russia, Sheehama remains optimistic that the country’s integration into the bloc is both inevitable and necessary. He concluded by urging national leaders to move decisively toward membership, saying, “It is time that Namibia should join BRICS. That is the right thing to do.”

Joining BRICS, Sheehama believes, will open a new economic path for Namibia, allowing it to capitalize on global development initiatives, stimulate manufacturing, and ultimately achieve the industrial growth needed to create jobs and improve the standard of living for all citizens.

The post Interview: Josef Sheehama Calls for Namibia to Join BRICS to Boost Economic Growth and Industrialization first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Interview: Josef Sheehama Calls for Namibia to Join BRICS to Boost Economic Growth and Industrialization appeared first on Future Media News.