Namibian government targets growth in creative sector, President says

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the administration aims to double the creative sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product from 1.5% to 3% within the next five years.

Speaking at the 26th Annual Symposium of the Bank of Namibia, held on 13 November under the theme Unleashing the Power of the Creative Industries as a Catalyst for Economic Development, the President noted that despite the sector’s potential, it continues to face several obstacles. These include fragmented policies, lengthy licensing procedures, limited access to finance and inadequate intellectual property protection.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government is taking steps to address these issues and elevate the creative industries within national development priorities. She highlighted that the sector has been designated as one of the core pillars of the Sixth National Development Plan.

According to the President, funding has been allocated to arts and creative programmes, alongside efforts to strengthen partnerships with UNESCO to improve copyright protection and institutional capacity. Agencies such as the Namibia Film Commission and the National Arts Council have received increased financial support, which she said will continue. In addition, the National Youth Development Fund has been launched, with N$257 million (about $15 074 563) earmarked to support young Namibians, including those in creative fields.

She further noted that the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board is advancing plans for a proposed “Film and Creative City”, intended to attract investment, reinforce the industry’s value chain and promote Namibian talent internationally.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government’s ongoing focus includes building a digital environment that supports creators’ ability to produce, market and sell their work globally. She emphasised the need for secure and accessible payment systems to ensure fair compensation for artists, adding that strengthening the creative ecosystem is central to enabling sustainable job creation within the sector.