The Bank of Namibia participated in the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum and used the platform to press for coordinated public-private action to address unemployment, centring discussion on the national goal of creating 500,000 quality, sustainable jobs over the next five years. Governor Johannes !Gawaxab argued that Namibia’s economic growth has not translated proportionately into employment, highlighting productivity gaps, skills mismatches and limited value addition as key constraints on job-rich growth. He set out four enablers: investment in productive, job-rich sectors that link into regional and global value chains; stronger business and consumer confidence to catalyse private investment; a smart regulatory environment that supports innovation and competitiveness; and adoption of digital technologies. On regulation, he pointed to the newly launched Namibia Regulators Forum, a collaborative body comprising ten regulators and observers including the Bank of Namibia, as a mechanism to advance a more coordinated and efficient regulatory environment.
Bank of Namibia 2025-10-24
Bank of Namibia urges public and private sectors to deliver Namibia’s target of 500,000 jobs in five years
The Bank of Namibia joined the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum, advocating for coordinated efforts to address unemployment and create 500,000 sustainable jobs over five years. Governor Johannes !Gawaxab emphasized investment in productive sectors, enhanced business confidence, a supportive regulatory environment, and digital technology adoption. The newly launched Namibia Regulators Forum was highlighted to improve regulatory coordination and efficiency.