The Namibian Ministry of International Relations and Trade's assertion that its initiatives have created 9,343 permanent jobs has been challenged by Rodney Cloete, shadow minister of international relations for the Independent Patriots for Change. Cloete disputes the figure, citing data that shows only 951 permanent jobs have been recorded. The ministry's deputy minister, Jennely Matundu, presented the figures in the National Assembly, stating that 28 projects attracted N$66.85 billion in investment.
According to Matundu, the ministry's initiatives resulted in significant investments across various sectors, including agriculture, metal mining, and chemicals. The agriculture sector accounted for 11 projects, generating 2,142 permanent jobs from N$4.67 billion in investment. The //Kharas Region received N$2.9 billion of that investment, creating 1,213 jobs. In contrast, Cloete argues that the 9,343 jobs represent projected jobs rather than actual employment.
Matundu explained that the ministry's role is primarily to facilitate investment, trade relations, and export opportunities rather than directly create jobs. She highlighted that the ministry is working towards targets of N$254 billion in foreign direct investment and N$168 billion in export value, which hold substantial potential for job creation. The International Trade Management Bill is also part of the ministry's efforts to create an enabling environment for investment and industry.
Cloete has questioned the investment figure presented by the ministry, stating that while N$66.85 billion was announced, only N$7.74 billion was recorded as actually invested. He cited the Hylron Phase 1 project at Walvis Bay as an example, which was listed with an investment value of N$37.23 billion and 4,000 permanent jobs but recorded no actual investment or employment.
The distinction between projected and actual jobs is crucial, particularly when measuring progress against the government's broader employment ambitions. The 951 permanent jobs recorded as actual employment would amount to only a small fraction of the national target of 500,000 jobs over five years. Cloete called for more detailed and verifiable reporting, including a dated quarterly register showing jobs promised against jobs actually created.
Matundu emphasized that the ministry has performance indicators linked to projects and strategic targets, with senior officials and heads of missions expected to meet their assigned targets. Progress on employment, exports, and investment is also supported by data from institutions such as the Namibia Statistics Agency and the Namibia Integrated Employment Information System.
The debate highlights the need for transparency and accountability in reporting job creation efforts. The ministry's claims have sparked concerns about the accuracy of its reporting and the effectiveness of its initiatives. As the government works towards its employment targets, it is essential to ensure that its reporting is reliable and verifiable.
Key points
- The Namibian Ministry of International Relations and Trade's job creation claims have been challenged by the Independent Patriots for Change.
- The ministry's initiatives have attracted significant investments across various sectors, including agriculture and metal mining.
- The accuracy of the ministry's reporting and the effectiveness of its initiatives have been questioned.
