Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has begun a comprehensive review of its policies aimed at strengthening regional and local economic development.
A three-day Regional and Local Economic Development (RLED) policy review workshop started on Wednesday in Windhoek under the theme “Inspiring LED in Namibia.”
The minister of urban and rural development (MURD), Erastus Uutoni who officially opened the workshop expressed optimism about the revised policy’s potential to transform local economies.
“Our local economies are real to us every day. We all have a deeply vested interest in making them better, whether that’s seeing our young people innovate and thrive, our roads and infrastructures being something we can be proud of, vibrant local markets, parks and amenities where our families can connect and enjoy the outdoors,” he said.
The workshop is being attended by chairpersons of regional councils, mayors, chief executive officers of local authorities, directors of planning, and local economic development officers.
The workshop aims to validate information gathered during regional stakeholder sessions held in July 2024.
According to the minister, the event seeks to create a shared understanding of strategies and initiatives necessary to stimulate economic growth at the local level.
Uutoni reiterated that the revised policy aims to unlock dormant economic opportunities by tapping into local potential and driving sustainable development.
“The revised policy is poised to usher Namibia into a new frontier of innovation and economic prosperity by unearthing local potential to unlock and facilitate dormant economic development opportunities in a sustainable manner,” he said.
According to the minister, the workshop will provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and chart a path forward for regional and local economic development.
He said discussions are expected to address key challenges and opportunities, ranging from infrastructure improvements to fostering innovation among the youth.
The workshop will conclude on Friday, with expectations high for actionable recommendations that will inform the revised policy.
According to Uutoni, the event is seen as an important step in aligning Namibia’s local economic development strategies with the nation’s broader vision for growth and prosperity.
“This review process stresses the government’s commitment to nurturing innovation and ensuring that all communities can benefit from economic progress,” he said.
