By Onesmus Keudaneko Joseph
The story of any place or country is shaped by its people. On 21 March 2025, Namibia will once again demonstrate its identity as the Land of the Brave by making history with the inauguration of its first female president.
For the first time, leadership at the presidential level will bear the imprint of feminist governance.
This milestone positions our country as a rule-maker in the global leadership arena, marking a significant shift in governance dynamics. I tell you now, even the so-called developed nations and the know-it-all, can draw valuable lessons from this historic moment.
Surely, one can only understand something better through experience, and Namibia is about to contribute to this area both in practice and in literature.
As you read this piece, you will agree with me that Onamutai is will be one of the most village to be written about as it is the birthplace of Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, “our President” in just a matter of hours.
For those of us who are descendants of Onamutai and the broader Oshilongo Shamengela community, this moment is a profound source of pride. Her rise to the highest office in the land is inspiring evidence of the boundless potential that exists even within the smallest communities. It serves as a reminder to young people that leadership is not sanctioned by origin but by vision, determination, and purpose.
It fuels the drive to try again and again, just as the sun rises each day. “Fye ova Namutai otwapandula.” Namibia is entering a new era; one characterised by the novelty of feminist leadership and faith.
Her Excellency, as the daughter of the late Pastor Petrus Shindabi Mashaalale Nandi, founder of Onamutai Anglican Church and Ohadiwa Village, carries a faith-based foundation that undeniably adds an intriguing dimension to her vision.
One can deduce this from her frequent statement that her administration will be founded on the principle of “In God We Trust.”
This emphasis on Christian values could shape governance by embedding integrity, inclusivity, and compassion into national leadership. Hence with this profound faith-based leadership on governance, all I can say is let us support the pastor’s child.
As a strategist and foresight practitioner, one of the most interesting aspects of Her Excellency’s vision is her commitment to transform and invigorate the creative industry; an aspiration that stands as a defining pillar of a mother who cares.
Strategy, at its core, is about identifying and delivering what people need but cannot access elsewhere, doing so in a unique and impactful way. It is about making strategic choices that transform lives and livelihoods.
Much like farming, leadership is about selecting the best seeds to plant in the right season to ensure a bountiful harvest. Her ability to recognise the potential of the creative industry is unmatched.
While many African economies remain centered on mining, agriculture, and manufacturing industries which are undoubtedly vital, Namibia is charting a bold new path by harnessing the creative sector as an economic driver. This is a game-changer, an intentional and well-calculated strategic move.
The creative industry is the backbone of every thriving nation and the oil of the 21st century. It embodies human ingenuity, drives commercial opportunities, and enables individuals to generate wealth from their artistic and intellectual works.
Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya have successfully leveraged their creative economies, created millions of jobs and boosted GDP. In contrast, Namibia’s creative sector has long been underestimated, lacking professionalization, institutional support, and the necessary legal frameworks to enable it to flourish.
Accelerating investment in the creative industries has the potential to transform Namibia into the most impactful economic sector, particularly at a time when job creation is an urgent priority.
The creative sector remains a largely untapped asset, with immense potential to generate employment for thousands of young people and drive cultural and digital exports. It can elevate Namibian talent to the global stage while diversifying the economy beyond traditional industries. If executed effectively many of us will become content creators.
This strategy will empower artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and content creators; enabling them to commercialise their craft, build generational wealth which will tremendously redefine our economy.
As a nation, we are not merely witnessing the future unfolding; we are shaping it. Strategy is everything, but true strategy is always unique; Creative Industries that is! We are proud to be part of this movement and to stand among the trendsetters in Africa.
We take immense pride in Her Excellency’s vision. Wishing her well on this journey, and as she has rightfully said, In God We Trust.
*Onesmus Keudaneko Joseph is Business Strategy Practitoner with a strong focus on strategic foresight and futures literacy. He is currently the Manager for Intellectual Property Enforcement and Frameworks at BIPA. He writes in his personal capacity.
