Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has emphasised the government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to build a digital infrastructure that enables Namibian artists to sell and distribute their work globally, while aiming to double the creative sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within five years.
“Our national target is clear: to double the creative sector’s contribution to GDP from 1.5% to 3% within the next five years. However, ladies and gentlemen, the creative sector continues to face significant barriers: fragmented policies, lengthy licensing processes, limited access to finance, and weak intellectual property protection,” she said.
The President made these remarks at the 26th Annual Symposium of the Bank of Namibia, which aimed to provide a platform for national discourse that shapes and inspires economic transformation. The symposium took place under the theme “Unleashing the Power of the Creative Industries as a Catalyst for Economic Development.”
The President emphasised that the government intends to address the challenges facing the creative industry. According to her, efforts are already underway to elevate the country’s creative industries to a national priority. She highlighted that the creative industry has been integrated as one of the core pillars of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
“We are allocating funding to arts and creative initiatives and strengthening partnerships with UNESCO to improve copyright protection and institutional capacity. Institutions such as the Namibia Film Commission and the National Arts Council have received increased funding, and this support will continue. Furthermore, we have launched the National Youth Development Fund, allocating N$257 million to empower young Namibians, including those pursuing creative ventures,” she added.
The President further highlighted that, through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the government is advancing the vision of a ‘Film and Creative City’ to attract investment, strengthen the value chain, and showcase Namibian talent globally.
“The message from our creatives is clear – ‘Fix the ecosystem, and the jobs will follow.’ That is why we will continue to work hand in hand with the public and private sectors to build a robust digital infrastructure, one that enables Namibian artists to market, sell, and distribute their work globally. We must create secure, affordable, and inclusive payment systems that allow creators to produce, monetise, and be fairly compensated. Only then can we transition from being a nation that consumes culture to one that exports it with pride,” the President added.
