IMELDA AMBONDO
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged world leaders to place solidarity, sustainability and equality at the centre of global economic recovery.
She said that Africa’s development priorities must be addressed from an African perspective.
Speaking during Session One of the G20 Leaders Summit on Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Johannesburg, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the gathering reflects “the growing recognition of Africa’s role in the global economy and the importance of addressing development priorities from an African perspective.”
She emphasised that global efforts must be anchored in the African Union Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Recalling recent international commitments, she said, “Last year, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future and placed great emphasis on the need to fast-track the Sustainable Development Agenda, eradicate poverty and hunger and close the financing gap for developing countries.”
The President noted that new climate ambitions made in Belem over the past two weeks highlight the urgency of confronting environmental challenges alongside development goals.
Highlighting persistent imbalances in the global financial system, Nandi-Ndaitwah argued that reform is overdue:
“Only an inclusive and representative international system will have the capacity to respond to present day challenges. If our financial architecture is not fit for purpose, we will continue to see the pressures of a looming global debt crisis.”
She said the importance of trade as a driver of integration and innovation, saying,
“Trade enables countries to integrate into global value chains, create jobs and stimulate innovation.”
The President highlighted Namibia’s continued efforts to diversify the economy and promote value addition, citing the Zero Hunger Road Map implemented since 2016 as a key tool that “strengthened food security, promoted rural development and continues to inform national strategies.”
She further called for strengthened implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that regional integration and access to global markets are essential for Africa’s prosperity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah pointed to Namibia’s recent fiscal achievements, including the redemption of its 750 million USD Eurobond:
“Through strategic Eurobond issuance and refinancing, Namibia was able to repay high-cost debt, extend maturities, and reduce interest expenses.”
She said this demonstrated “fiscal discipline and responsible debt management.”
However, she warned that debt servicing continues to constrain development, urging G20 leaders to enhance debt treatment frameworks and provide concessional financing to committed countries.
The President said inequality remains one of the biggest barriers to sustainable development. She highlighted Namibia’s progress in expanding social protection:
“Old age grants reach 98% of eligible citizens, and child grants increased from 60% to 66% of vulnerable children.”
These interventions ensure that “vulnerable groups, particularly women, youth and rural populations are supported in the path to prosperity.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded by urging global leaders to unite around three core priorities:
“Strengthening trade-driven economies, securing financing for development while responsibly managing debt, and reducing wealth inequality through inclusive policies.”
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