Unsung drivers of economic development in Namibia

By Wade Henckert

In Namibia, regional governors and mayors have frequently been reduced to administrative duties with little appreciation for their potential as important forces behind economic change.

However, it is critical to reevaluate the strategic significance of these posts in a time when local and regional governance is becoming more closely associated with economic advancement.

In addition to facilitating national policies, regional and local leaders also act as catalysts for sustainable development, investor attraction, and economic growth. Namibia’s long-term economic success depends on their capacity to comprehend and take advantage of global changes in FDI destinations throughout Africa.

Decentralisation, a policy aimed at giving local and regional government organisations more political, administrative, and financial power, is emphasised in Namibia’s governance structure.

The purpose of this strategy is to enable local leaders to effectively address the unique requirements of their respective regions. Although decentralisation has enormous potential for economic growth, its effectiveness primarily depends on the abilities of mayors and governors.

In addition to overseeing local economic activity, these officials are responsible for coordinating it with national development plans such the Harambee Prosperity Plan and Vision 2030.

Subnational governance frameworks are crucial for drawing in foreign investment in many nations. Through strong municipal leadership, cities like Cape Town, South Africa, and Kigali, Rwanda, have effectively positioned themselves as investment-friendly locations.

The mayors and regional governors of Namibia must take a similar tack, actively looking for investments that complement the comparative advantages of their areas, whether those advantages are in industry, tourism, agriculture and renewable energy.

Regional leadership must create a business-friendly atmosphere that eases bureaucratic red tape and streamlines investment procedures in order to do this.

In addition to drawing in investors, creating special economic zones, improving infrastructure, and establishing transparent regulatory frameworks will encourage local business. A region’s capacity to establish a supportive business environment is directly related to its level of success.

Furthermore, by launching effective marketing campaigns both domestically and abroad, regional leaders should concentrate on positioning their communities as top investment locations.

This calls for direct interaction with foreign investors as well as active involvement in regional and international trade shows and economic forums. Governors and mayors can establish a niche in the cutthroat African investment market by highlighting the advantages and investment possibilities of their regions.

Furthermore, encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) has the potential to revolutionise regional economic growth. Regional authorities can promote the growth of service industries, industrial parks, and infrastructure projects by working with private sector stakeholders.

These collaborations strengthen Namibia’s economic resilience by ensuring that investment projects are in line with market demands and technology improvements in addition to providing much-needed financing.

Africa is becoming a major destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), marking a significant shift in the global investment environment.  Foreign investors are increasingly seeking alternate locations that provide political stability, effective regulations, and economic promise in instead of more conventional hubs like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. 

Namibia has a special chance to establish itself as a desirable investment destination because of its stable government, advantageous location, and wealth of natural resources.

 But to do this, regional governors and mayors must actively follow international investment patterns.They must comprehend the industries such as technology, agribusiness, infrastructure development, and renewable energy that are attracting foreign direct investment into Africa. 

Additionally, they must streamline bureaucratic procedures, develop incentives for companies to operate in their areas, and implement investment-friendly laws at the local level.

Regional economic diplomacy is one of Namibia’s most underutilised economic planning techniques.  Regional leaders must join the conversation, even while national leaders often participate in international investment negotiations. 

Developing strategic alliances with cities and regions in other nations, networking with foreign investors, and taking part in international investment conferences are all components of a proactive approach to regional economic diplomacy.

Walvis Bay, for instance, has the potential to develop into a Southern African hub for trade and logistics.  Local leadership must converse with global shipping businesses, logistics companies, and cross-border trade organisations in order for this to become a reality.  Likewise, collaborations with international agribusiness companies could be advantageous for the Kunene and Kavango regions, given their considerable agricultural potential. 

In order for regional governors and mayors to successfully carry out their roles as economic leaders, specific capacity-building initiatives are required.  These ought to emphasise policy innovation, investment promotion, and economic governance. 

Policy changes should also give local governments the freedom to decide on matters that directly affect their economies.  It is necessary to review the administrative restrictions that currently restrict regional governments’ capacity to authorise investment projects and oversee local financial resources.

Local and regional leaders need to embrace their role as economic strategists and transcend their conventional responsibilities of providing services.  The success stories of cities and regions around the world show that local visionary leadership is frequently the missing piece that connects policy goals with observable economic results.

Namibia’s economic destiny is influenced by the vision and efficacy of regional governors and mayors in addition to national authorities.  These leaders are essential to attracting investment and fostering local economic growth. 

They must have the knowledge and independence required to participate in international investment dynamics in order to realise their full potential.  Namibia’s regional leadership must step up to the challenge of establishing their jurisdictions as attractive investment destinations as the global economy continues to change. 

This is an economic requirement as well as a governance imperative.

*Wade Henckert is an international relations expert

editor

See Full Bio