Namibia’s economy in my eyes

Namibia’s economy reportedly grew by N$5.3 billion in the first three months of 2024.

However, these figures do not translate to addressing the underlying issues of economic exclusion, the high unemployment rate, inequality, poverty and hunger.

Economist and business researcher Josef Sheehama has great ideas and a vision that could transform our nation’s economy.

He puts it so well, when he says the figures presented do not reflect Namibia’s standard of living.

He continues by saying Namibians should experience the benefits of economic growth in their daily lives and not just on paper.

Sheehama proposes that the country needs a more equitable economy that serves the interests of all its citizens rather than just the rich and the powerful to reduce the country’s alarming wealth gap.

On 23 July, Sheehama proposed in an opinion piece published by The Namibian that the government should encourage domestic aquaculture production, such as the use of earth dams, with strict regulations as this could help reduce unemployment.

It is estimated that the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has issued more than 148 aquaculture licences to date to spur the industry’s growth.

Mahatma Gandhi once said the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats it most vulnerable members.

Whatever party or presidential candidate wins next month’s elections, my hope and prayer is that someone like Josef Sheehama is considered to be the economic adviser of our fifth president.

Alfeus Hamundja