President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for Namibia to transition from being a consumer of imported technologies to becoming a producer of innovation, placing science, technology and digital skills at the centre of the country’s industrialisation agenda.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Science Exhibition Hall and the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub, the President said Namibia’s long-term economic competitiveness would depend on its ability to develop local technological solutions and build a knowledge-based economy.
“As Namibians, we cannot afford to be mere consumers of technology developed elsewhere. We must become creators, innovators and producers of knowledge,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The remarks signal a growing policy focus on innovation-driven economic growth as Namibia seeks to position itself for opportunities emerging from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The upgraded digital hub is expected to provide young Namibians with access to modern technologies, digital learning tools and innovation platforms designed to strengthen technical skills and entrepreneurship.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said investment in digital infrastructure was critical not only for education but also for industrialisation, productivity growth and economic diversification.
“By equipping young people and communities with access to modern technology and digital resources, we accelerate industrialisation and strengthen the foundations of a digital economy,” she said.
The President argued that future economic growth would increasingly be determined by countries’ ability to generate knowledge, innovation and intellectual property rather than rely solely on natural resources.
She said the integration of digital technologies into schools and training institutions would help develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills needed by future industries.
The call comes as Namibia pursues broader ambitions to expand its digital economy, strengthen innovation ecosystems and attract technology investment.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also disclosed that she will travel to China in the coming days accompanied by Namibian business leaders, with technology cooperation and economic partnerships expected to feature prominently in discussions.
The President further revealed that the Rössing Foundation invested N$37 million in upgrading the Ondangwa facility, describing the project as a practical example of how public-private partnerships can support national development priorities.
