I was reading the Namibian Newspaper and ran across an article discussing Namibian President Hage Geingob askig for help in addressing post-colonial issues affecting the nation, such as inequality, unemployment, and land division. He made these remarks three days ago in Windhoek, Namibia in a meeting with a Finnish parliamentary delegation.
The president discussed the fragility and vulnerability of the Namibian economy since achieving independence from Germany. He also discussed the high rate of unemployment and of growing inequality between citizens. .
He said, “For as long as the inequality is growing, we are telling people that we must join hands to see to it that we address this inequality to maintain peace and unity in the country."
He is also struggling with the extent of how much to open the Namibian economy internationally. GHe feels pressured to open up to get foreign investment, but does not want to lose independence.
He said, "We were told to open up to get foreign investments which we need, but the example we get from those who are powerful and advanced is that of protectionism, my country first – so it is a little bit confusing– are we supposed to open up? Because we are already a small and open economy, and we get exposed to external shocks very easily.
The Finnish parliamentary member emphasized Namibia's opportunities to grow in business and tourism.
“Namibia is a shining example to many countries in Africa and the world regarding the progress made in many aspects of development. We want to step in and build new and strong relationships,” she noted.
He said, "We were told to open up to get foreign investments which we need, but the example we get from those who are powerful and advanced is that of protectionism, my country first – so it is a little bit confusing– are we supposed to open up? Because we are already a small and open economy, and we get exposed to external shocks very easily.
The Finnish parliamentary member emphasized Namibia's opportunities to grow in business and tourism.
“Namibia is a shining example to many countries in Africa and the world regarding the progress made in many aspects of development. We want to step in and build new and strong relationships,” she noted.
I'm interested to continue studying how Namibia progresses. It's difficult because they want to economically progress but doing so may require external help, and they also want to remain as independent as possible.
By Ellie Chen
I wonder what kind of laws and economic policies are left over from the colonization period or are borrowed from South African law - Hayden
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