Patience Makwele
Theologian and social development expert Dirk Haarmann says Namibia’s economic system still reflects colonial-era inequalities more than three decades after independence.
Speaking during the first day of an economics journalism training workshop in Windhoek on Tuesday, Haarmann said political independence did not fundamentally change how wealth and economic opportunities are distributed in the country.
“Even if you were born free, you are not free because the choices are still determined by the system,” Haarmann said.
The workshop brought together economists, journalists and social development experts to discuss poverty, unemployment and economic inequality in Namibia.
Haarmann said wealth and land ownership remain concentrated in the hands of a minority, limiting opportunities for many Namibians.
He also questioned the use of economic indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP) without examining who benefits from economic growth.
“GDP tells you the economy is growing, but not who benefits,” he said.
Discussions at the workshop also focused on poverty and unemployment statistics, with speakers warning that official figures do not always reflect realities on the ground.
Haarmann said changes in statistical definitions can sometimes create the appearance of progress without improving people’s living conditions.
“Nothing has changed for the people on the street, but the figures changed because the definition changed. “Poverty is not a character trait but an economic condition,” Haarmann said.
Economist and lecturer Calvin Lifasi Matengu said Namibia’s economic growth has not translated into equal improvements in living standards for most citizens.
“Economic growth alone cannot be celebrated if ordinary households continue struggling with unemployment, inequality and the high cost of living,” Matengu said.
He said Namibia’s economy remains structurally unequal, with historical patterns of wealth ownership still shaping economic participation.
“Political liberation did not automatically bring economic transformation. The concentration of wealth and productive assets remains one of Namibia’s biggest challenges,” he said.
Political analyst Israel Shivute said frustration over inequality and unemployment is becoming more visible among young people.
“There is a growing sense among the youth that economic opportunities remain inaccessible despite Namibia’s resource wealth,” he said.
Speakers also highlighted unpaid care work, especially work done by women in homes and communities, saying it remains largely invisible in mainstream economic discussions despite its importance.
Participants urged journalists to question economic statistics more critically and avoid framing poverty as a personal failure.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts to strengthen economic reporting and improve public understanding of poverty, inequality and social protection issues in Namibia.
