The President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has shared a warm vision for the country’s economic future: one where financial literacy moves beyond corporate boardrooms and finds a home in rural communities, local schools, and civic organizations.
Speaking at the 30th anniversary of Namibia Asset Management (NAM) held this week, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the growth of institutions such as NAM forms part of the broader national effort to broaden participation, deepen inclusion, and ensure that more Namibians can share in the opportunities created by the economy.
While Namibia boasts a developed non-banking financial sector, she noted that for too long Namibians have been excluded from meaningful participation in the formal economy and from the benefits of wealth creation.
As we widen access to investment opportunities, Namibia must equally widen access to financial knowledge, she said, noting that financial literacy is not a luxury, but an essential life skill.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said that every Namibian should be empowered with a basic understanding of saving, budgeting, investing, and retirement planning.
“Too often, individuals spend decades building retirement savings only to find themselves financially vulnerable a few years after leaving the workforce,” she said.
The President said the anniversary takes place at a time when the global economy continues to face uncertainty and rapid change. She noted that financial markets remain susceptible to geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and evolving economic realities.
“In moments such as these, strong institutions matter,” she said, noting that they provide stability when markets fluctuate, confidence when uncertainty rises, and reassurance that long-term interests remain protected.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, the next phase of Namibia’s financial sector development must focus on deepening the market while broadening participation.
She said Namibia must continue to encourage innovation in investment products, support alternative asset classes, improve efficiency, and strengthen collaboration between government, regulators, and industry participants.
“We will continue to work closely with regulators such as the Namibia Financial Supervisory Authority, as well as industry stakeholders, to ensure that policies strike the right balance between prudential oversight and innovation,” she said. (Xinhua).
