EDITORIAL
For too long, Namibia’s economic discourse has been dominated by traditional sectors.
Policymakers continue to place their hopes in mining, agriculture, tourism and, more recently, green hydrogen and offshore oil. Yet while youth unemployment remains unacceptably high, a vibrant and underutilised engine for job creation sits in plain sight.
It is found in our recording studios, graphic design firms, fashion houses, film sets and digital hubs. The creative industry should no longer be treated as the neglected stepchild of the economy.
If Namibia is serious about rescuing its younger generation from economic exclusion, it must prioritise the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). They can no longer be dismissed as hobbies or side hustles.
Historically, the government has treated the creative sector as an afterthought. Art and culture have been pushed to the margins of national planning and viewed as entertainment rather than economic infrastructure.
This neglect is reflected in budgets and institutional arrangements. Arts and culture are currently housed within a large and overstretched ministry, where they compete for attention with education and heritage matters.
Such a setup dilutes focus. When a dancer is paid with alcohol or clothing, or a digital designer survives on irregular and poorly paid gigs, it reflects a system that fails to recognise creative labour as real work. That must change.
The sector needs dedicated attention and stronger representation within government. Whether through a standalone ministry or a specialised agency, the creative economy requires focused leadership, modern intellectual property protection and a clear voice in national policymaking.
Structural transformation will also require a significant shift in funding.
Adequate and predictable financing is the lifeblood of any successful creative economy. While the Bank of Namibia has noted that the sector contributes between 1.5% and 1.6% of gross domestic product, the financial support available to creatives remains limited.
Artists and entrepreneurs do not need symbolic grants that barely cover production costs. They need access to venture capital, affordable financing and tax incentives that encourage private-sector investment.
Investing in the arts produces measurable returns. Central bank data shows that 327 local film productions between 2022 and 2024 injected N$122.5 million into the economy and created 2 412 jobs.
Imagine the impact if targeted investment were directed towards recording studios, film production hubs and distribution networks across the country.
The global market also presents significant opportunities for Namibian creatives. International audiences are increasingly seeking authentic African stories, music, fashion and digital content.
Countries such as Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana have shown what is possible when creative industries receive sustained support. Namibia possesses similar potential. Our photographers, musicians, designers, filmmakers and animators can compete on the global stage.
However, talent alone is not enough. Government must address barriers that limit growth, including payment systems that make it difficult for freelancers and creators to earn income from international markets.
Ultimately, the creative economy offers a powerful avenue for generating wealth, creating jobs and expanding the tax base. It is youth-driven, adaptable and less vulnerable to automation than many traditional forms of work.
By formalising and industrialising creative output, Namibia can turn passion into enterprise, creativity into exports, and talent into sustainable livelihoods.
The government’s upcoming National Development Plan 6 (NDP6) and the Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy must move beyond rhetoric and deliver meaningful action.
We must stop celebrating young Namibians only when they succeed abroad. We must invest in them at home, giving them the tools to build thriving businesses and create jobs for others.
The arts cannot remain Namibia’s stepchild forever. It is time to give the creative sector the recognition, support and investment it deserves.
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