WINDHOEK, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Namibia continues to grapple with deep-rooted poverty and inequality, despite more than three decades of economic growth, an official said on Thursday.
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila highlighted those issues while reflecting on the country's constitutional journey 35 years after its independence.
Speaking at a conference titled "Namibia's Constitution amidst Reflection, Reform, and Renewal," Kuugongelwa-Amadhila praised the constitution as a "moral compass" leading the nation from a system of apartheid and division to a unified, democratic republic.
Despite the growth, she also expressed that many Namibians still do not fully benefit from the opportunities the economy can offer.
Unprocessed resources still dominate Namibia's exports, limiting value addition, industrialization, job creation, and public revenue, she said, noting that "ownership of land and natural resources remains skewed, undermining equity and shared prosperity."
The speaker also said access to primary healthcare, particularly in rural and informal settlements, needs to catch up despite overall progress.
"Infrastructure, equipment, and staffing shortfalls remain pressing challenges. The full rollout of decentralization is hindered by resource constraints in some areas, including technical capacity," she said.
According to Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Namibia's financial sector, though stable and profitable, does not serve all, as many in rural and informal economies remain excluded from affordable credit and banking services.
The speaker called for a recommitment to constitutionalism as a "living covenant with our people."
"The remaining challenges in our development are not failures of vision but are a call for concerted, persistent, and holistic action by all of us, from government to the private sector and civil society. The pace of progress will depend on all stakeholders actively playing their role," she concluded. ■
