President Nandi-Ndaitwah outlines policy priorities in State of the Nation Address

WINDHOEK — In her first State of the Nation Address since assuming office, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah laid out a policy agenda focused on economic recovery, social equity, youth employment, and the restoration of public trust in government institutions.

Speaking before a joint session of Parliament on Thursday afternoon, Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the country’s persistent economic and social challenges, but said her administration is committed to “delivering practical, people-centered solutions” aimed at long-term structural change.

“We are building a Namibia that works for all,” the President said. “This requires difficult decisions, but also deliberate investments in our people, our infrastructure, and our future.”

At the center of the government’s economic strategy is an expansion of the green hydrogen sector and renewable energy investments. The President said her administration will accelerate policy support and infrastructure to make Namibia a competitive energy exporter.

She also pledged support for small and medium-sized enterprises, saying there’s a need to “move beyond extractive industries” and foster value-added production, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing.

To support this agenda, the government will establish industrial hubs along major transport corridors to stimulate regional economic activity and attract manufacturing and logistics investments. It also plans to roll out targeted incentives designed to encourage both local investors and Namibians in the diaspora to participate in key sectors of the economy. Additionally, the administration will prioritize public-private partnerships as a central mechanism to unlock large-scale infrastructure development and drive long-term growth.

Meanwhile, the country’s high youth unemployment rate—estimated at over 40 percent—was described as “both a national crisis and an opportunity.” In response, the government will implement a National Youth Employment Action Plan focused on skills development and job creation.

Key initiatives under the government’s youth and education agenda include the expansion of vocational and technical training centers to equip young people with practical, in-demand skills. The administration also plans to launch a national graduate internship programme aimed at linking recent graduates to real-world work experience.

Additionally, a comprehensive skills audit will be conducted to ensure that education and training systems are aligned with actual labor market needs. “Young people are not asking for charity; they are demanding opportunity,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized.

The President further committed to improving public service delivery and rooting out corruption, stating that “citizens must not be treated as beggars in the corridors of government.” As part of her reform agenda, President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that the Office of the Prime Minister will lead a nationwide performance audit of all ministries and state agencies to assess efficiency and service delivery.

To further improve governance, the government will introduce digital systems aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing transparency. In a move to strengthen accountability, senior public officials will be subjected to regular lifestyle audits, while protections for whistleblowers will be reinforced to encourage the reporting of corruption and misconduct.

In a landmark announcement, President Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed that free tertiary education for undergraduate students will be implemented gradually, beginning with students from low-income households.

She acknowledged the financial strain faced by many young Namibians who are academically qualified but economically excluded from university and college education. The government, she said, will work with the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and tertiary institutions to ensure an equitable rollout.

“No child should be denied an education because of their background,” Nandi-Ndaitwah declared. “Education is not a privilege—it is a right, and a national investment.”

The plan includes prioritised funding for students pursuing studies in critical sectors such as healthcare, teaching, engineering, and agriculture, where the country faces significant skills shortages. It also introduces progressive subsidies for tuition and accommodation, ensuring that the most vulnerable students receive full financial support. The rollout will follow a phased implementation strategy, with the government aiming for full coverage within the next five years.

The announcement was met with applause in Parliament and is expected to shape the national conversation on youth empowerment in the coming months.

Separately, Nandi-Ndaitwah said national unity and social cohesion are foundational to sustainable development. She promised increased investment in underserved regions and greater efforts to address historical inequities, including land redistribution and access to housing. The President also called on Namibians to reject division and reaffirm shared values.

“We may differ in opinion and background, but we are bound by a common destiny,” she said.

As Namibia’s first female President, Nandi-Ndaitwah faces both high expectations and growing public impatience. Thursday’s address signaled a shift toward a more technocratic and performance-based governance style—one that places measurable outcomes at the heart of public service.

While her tone was optimistic, she stressed that implementation, not rhetoric, will define the legacy of her administration.

The post President Nandi-Ndaitwah outlines policy priorities in State of the Nation Address first appeared on Future Media News.

The post President Nandi-Ndaitwah outlines policy priorities in State of the Nation Address appeared first on Future Media News.