Staff Reporter
Windhoek, November 7 – President Dr. Hage G. Geingob and high-ranking government officials recently played host to Dr. Victoria Kwakwa, the World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa. The meeting marked Dr. Kwakwa’s inaugural visit to Namibia and revolved around Namibia’s ongoing battle against youth unemployment.
President Geingob extended a warm welcome to Dr. Kwakwa and underscored the country’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment, a challenge shared across the African region. Namibia’s focus on green industrialization was highlighted as a promising avenue for job creation. This approach emphasizes strategies like domestic employment, local procurement, and value addition to materials before export. These measures are seen as effective solutions that can foster equitable economic growth and development over time.
Dr. Kwakwa expressed the World Bank’s readiness to forge a partnership that aligns with Namibia’s specific needs and objectives. The discussions also centered on supporting the implementation of the second pillar of the Harambee Prosperity Plan, which prioritizes economic growth, industrialization, job creation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. This partnership holds the potential to bring positive change and reinforce Namibia’s progress on multiple fronts.
