Staff Reporter
GIVING an update on a pledge that had been made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, which had promised the creation of 500 000 jobs over the next five years, via both private and public sector efforts, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade has said that to date a total of 9,343 jobs has been created via its efforts alone.
During political campaigns, the Swapo manifesto had also proclaimed that the next government would spend N$85.7 billion to create exactly 256 538 jobs across various sectors of the economy.
Giving an update on government efforts to create jobs, the Trade Minister, Selma Ashipala, said that the Ministry’s initiatives resulted in 28 projects that collectively invested N$66.85 billion and created 9,343 permanent jobs.
She added that while the specific number of jobs mandated for the Ministry may not be explicitly stated directly, the Ministry’s focus on enhancing trade relations, promoting exports, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) directly contributes to the overall job creation targets as outlined in national development goals.
In the Agriculture and Food Processing sector, a total number of 11 projects were initiated across several regions, leading to the creation of 2,142 permanent jobs. The overall investment in this sector reached N$4.67 billion, with the Karas Region notably contributing N$2.998 billion, resulting in 1,213 jobs.
The Chemicals and Basic Materials sector saw a single project in Erongo Region, generating 30 permanent jobs with an investment of N$450 million.
In the realm of Digital and Global Business Services, one project in Karas contributed N$543.69 million and created 23 permanent jobs.
The Metals, Mining and Adjacent Industries sector was the most robust, with seven projects generating 2,910 permanent jobs and attracting an impressive investment of N$18.25 billion. The Erongo Region led this effort with five projects, accounting for N$10.99 billion and 2,080 jobs.
The Real Estate and Housing sector contributed to the economy with one project in Khomas, resulting in 50 permanent jobs and an investment of N$4.3 billion.
In the Renewable Energy sector, five projects across Erongo, Hardap, and Otjozondjupa collectively generated 4,138 jobs with a total investment of N$38.35 billion. The Erongo Region alone accounted for N$37.73 billion, creating 4,050 jobs.
Lastly, the Tourism, Hospitality, and Entertainment sector had two projects in Erongo, leading to the creation of 50 permanent jobs with a total investment of N$285 million.
Ashipala said that the Ministry’s initiatives, such as the signing of multiple bilateral agreements and promoting market access, are expected to enhance and stimulate production at home and hence job creation.
“For example, enhancing export markets and attracting FDI, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, could create thousands of jobs. The commitment to achieving a target of N$254 billion in FDI and increasing export values to N$168 billion indicates a substantial potential for job creation. The Ministry is, however, not directly involved in job creation; however, the facilitation of policies such as the investment policy to support investment and the finalization of the International Trade Management Bill to manage imports and exports, and develop regulatory measures to support industries are all enablers for job creation,” Ashipala said.
The International Trade Management Bill will be tabled in Parliament next month.
Photo: Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation
