The Ministry of International Relations and Trade in Namibia has reported the creation of over 9,000 jobs, sparking opposition scrutiny in parliament over the accuracy of the data and the timeline of these job creations. According to the ministry, 28 portfolio projects have been facilitated, attracting N$66.85 billion in investment and creating 9,343 permanent jobs nationwide.
The ministry's role in job creation is indirect, as it focuses on attracting investment, opening export markets, and creating conditions for businesses to employ Namibians. Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi responded to questions from Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete regarding President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's pledge to create 500,000 jobs within five years.
Ashipala-Musavyi explained that the ministry's contribution to the 500,000-job target would largely come through trade agreements, export promotion, and foreign direct investment. The projects span various sectors, including agriculture and food processing, mining, renewable energy, tourism, real estate, chemicals, and digital services.
The agriculture and food processing sector accounted for 11 projects, attracting N$4.67 billion and creating 2,142 permanent jobs. The ||Kharas region alone has attracted N$2.998 billion in this sector, resulting in 1,213 jobs. The metals, mining, and adjacent industries sector recorded seven projects, attracting N$18.25 billion and creating 2,910 permanent jobs.
Renewable energy recorded five projects, with an investment of N$38.35 billion and 4,138 jobs created. The Erongo region accounted for N$37.73 billion of that investment and 4,050 jobs. Other projects include a N$4.3-billion property and housing investment in the Khomas region, which created 50 permanent jobs, while tourism, hospitality, and entertainment projects attracted N$285 million and created 50 jobs.
To achieve its goals, the ministry is targeting N$254 billion in foreign direct investment and an increase in export values to N$168 billion. Ashipala-Musavyi mentioned that the investment policy and the pending international trade management bill are measures intended to create an enabling environment for investment and industry.
The ministry ensures accountability through performance indicators linked to projects and targets under its strategic plan for senior officials and heads of missions. Employment and investment data is generated through institutions, including the Namibia Statistics Agency and the Namibia Integrated Employment Information System.
Key points
- The Namibian ministry's job creation claims have faced parliamentary opposition scrutiny.
- The ministry reported 9,343 permanent jobs created nationwide through 28 portfolio projects.
- The ministry aims to attract N$254 billion in foreign direct investment and increase export values to N$168 billion.
