President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah calls on engineers to drive Namibia’s industrialisation, housing and infrastructure development at the inaugural Engineering Excellence Awards….reports Africa Daily News Desk

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on engineering professionals to play a central role in the country’s industrialisation, job creation and economic transformation, describing the sector as critical to achieving the national Vision 2030 development goals.

Addressing the inaugural Namibia Engineering Excellence Awards at the NamPower Convention Centre in Windhoek, Khomas Region, the President highlighted the importance of engineering in translating scientific knowledge, creativity and innovation into practical solutions that improve people’s lives.

She commended Professor Petrina Johannes, the organisers and other stakeholders for establishing a national platform to recognise the contributions of engineering professionals to the country’s development.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia must build on its indigenous knowledge and traditional engineering practices to strengthen domestic technological capabilities rather than remain dependent on imported technologies.

She stressed that the successful implementation of Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), including its seven national priority areas and eight economic enablers, would depend heavily on engineering expertise and technological advancement.

The President urged engineers to contribute directly to national priorities, particularly housing, agriculture, infrastructure development, industrialisation and the beneficiation of natural resources.

Housing and industrialisation among key priorities

Highlighting the Government’s target of delivering 50,000 houses by 2030, Nandi-Ndaitwah called on engineers and industry stakeholders to develop affordable, innovative and scalable construction technologies, including prefabricated housing solutions, without compromising safety and quality.

On agriculture and industrial development, she encouraged professionals to create technologies and infrastructure that strengthen local production, promote value addition and reduce dependence on imported goods.

She also emphasised the need to transform Namibia from a resource-rich nation into a resource-transforming economy capable of developing productive industries, generating employment and creating national wealth.

The President further highlighted the importance of investing in human capital and preparing the next generation of engineering professionals.

She called for stronger partnerships between the Government, private sector, universities, technical institutions and professional bodies to improve engineering education through scholarships, internships, mentorship programmes, apprenticeships and practical training.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also proposed exploring the establishment of a National Engineering Education and Innovation Fund to support engineering students and young innovators seeking to commercialise locally developed technologies and establish businesses.

Focus on skills development and inclusion

The President called for stronger Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to equip young people with practical skills required in engineering, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, mining and emerging industries.

She also stressed the importance of attracting and retaining qualified engineers in the public service to strengthen the Government’s capacity to plan, regulate, maintain and manage national infrastructure.

Emphasising equal opportunities, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater participation of women and men in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

She further urged that innovation and infrastructure development extend beyond urban centres to benefit rural communities through improved access to reliable water systems, energy solutions, roads and quality public facilities.

The President said engineering must remain central to Namibia’s efforts to build technological capabilities, expand economic opportunities and achieve inclusive national development.