Bridging the Gap: How Namibia is Tackling Income Inequality

Namibia is one of the most beautiful and resource-rich countries in Africa. But behind our proud landscapes and wildlife lies a serious issue: income inequality. Some Namibians live in comfort, while many others struggle to access basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.

So, what is Namibia doing about this gap between the rich and the poor—and what more can we learn from other countries?

---

🧓 1. Social Grants: A Lifeline for Many

The Namibian government supports thousands of families through monthly grants:

• Old Age Pension (N$1,400 per month)

• Child Maintenance Grants

• Disability Grants

These programs make a big difference in rural and low-income communities. For many, this money means the ability to buy food, pay school fees, or visit a clinic.

What could improve? Increase the grant amounts as the cost of living rises, and ensure everyone who qualifies can access them without red tape.

---

📚 2. Free Education for All

Namibia offers free primary and secondary education, and school feeding programs keep learners in class.

But we still face:

• Overcrowded classrooms

• Shortage of qualified teachers

• Gaps in rural education quality

A solution? Invest more in vocational training and support for learners with disabilities or those in remote areas.

---

🏠 3. Land Reform and Housing: Still a Long Road

Namibia has tried to correct historical injustices through land reform and mass housing projects. However, progress has been slow, and many Namibians still live in shacks without water or electricity.

We need to:

• Make housing truly affordable

• Speed up land delivery

• Prevent corruption and favouritism in housing allocation

---

👷 4. Minimum Wages and Worker Protection

Some sectors (like agriculture, security, and domestic work) now have minimum wage laws, helping to raise incomes for workers.

But many Namibians work in the informal sector—like market stalls, taxis, or odd jobs—where they have no protections at all.

We should:

• Extend legal protections to informal workers

• Provide skills training and micro-loans for small business owners

---

💉 5. Public Health for the People

Namibia’s public hospitals and clinics provide low-cost or free care, which helps poor families avoid high medical bills.

But the system still struggles with:

• Staff shortages

• Long wait times

• Unequal access in remote areas

Expanding healthcare and digital tools like e-health could improve services for all.

---

📊 What Can Namibia Learn from Others?

Many countries face inequality, but some are making real progress:

• Brazil uses large-scale cash transfer programs to reduce extreme poverty.

• Finland and South Korea invest heavily in equal, high-quality education.

• Rwanda supports rural income generation through infrastructure and microfinance.

Namibia can adopt similar ideas, including:

• Progressive taxes on the wealthy to fund services for the poor

• Better public transport, which helps people access jobs and markets

• Gender pay equality and support for working mothers

---

✊ The Way Forward: A Fairer Namibia for All

Fighting income inequality isn’t just a government issue—it’s a national one. Businesses, communities, and individuals all have a role to play in building a fairer, more inclusive Namibia.

With the right mix of smart policy, honest leadership, and grassroots support, we can bridge the gap—and build a Namibia where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

What do you think Namibia should focus on most? Join the conversation in the comments below.

The Missing Safety Net: Why Namibia Desperately Needs Debt Counselling Legislation

In the bustling streets of Windhoek and across rural Namibia, thousands of consumers are drowning in debt with nowhere to turn for professional help. While our southern neighbour South Africa has comprehensive debt counselling frameworks that have helped millions of over-indebted consumers, Namibia remains stuck in a regulatory time warp, relying on colonial-era legislation that offers little protection to vulnerable borrowers.

The Stark Reality: A Legislative Vacuum

Since independence in 1990, Namibia has made remarkable strides in many areas, yet consumer debt protection remains anchored in the past. Our primary consumer credit laws—the Usury Act of 1968 and the Credit Agreements Act of 1980—were inherited from South Africa's apartheid-era legislation. These outdated laws contain virtually no provisions for debt counselling, leaving Namibian consumers without the professional debt relief mechanisms that have become standard practice globally.

This legislative vacuum is particularly troubling given Namibia's economic challenges. With unemployment rates persistently high and cost of living pressures mounting, many Namibians find themselves trapped in cycles of over-indebtedness. Without regulated debt counselling services, these consumers have few options beyond informal arrangements with creditors or, in worst cases, asset repossession and legal action.

What Debt Counselling Could Offer Namibians

Debt counselling, when properly regulated, provides a lifeline for over-indebted consumers. The process typically involves:

Professional Assessment: Trained debt counsellors evaluate a consumer's financial situation, distinguishing between temporary cash flow problems and genuine over-indebtedness that requires intervention.

Negotiated Relief: Counsellors work with creditors to restructure payment terms, reduce interest rates, or consolidate debts into manageable monthly payments that align with the consumer's actual income.

Legal Protection: During the counselling process, consumers receive protection from legal action by creditors, preventing hasty repossessions and giving families breathing room to stabilize their finances.

Financial Education: Beyond immediate relief, debt counselling includes financial literacy training to help consumers avoid future debt traps.

Learning from South Africa's Success

South Africa's National Credit Act, implemented in 2007, demonstrates what comprehensive debt counselling legislation can achieve. The Act established:

• Professional Standards: Debt counsellors must be registered with the National Credit Regulator and meet specific qualification requirements
• Fee Regulation: Counselling fees are strictly regulated to prevent exploitation of vulnerable consumers
• Legal Framework: Clear procedures for debt review applications and creditor negotiations
• Consumer Protection: Strong safeguards against predatory lending and abusive debt collection practices

The results speak for themselves. Since 2007, hundreds of thousands of South African consumers have successfully navigated debt review processes, with many emerging debt-free and financially rehabilitated.

The Cost of Inaction

Namibia's failure to modernise debt counselling legislation carries significant economic and social costs:

Individual Impact: Families lose homes and assets that could have been saved through proper debt restructuring. The absence of professional debt counselling often leads to informal "loan sharks" filling the void, creating even more exploitative lending relationships.

Economic Efficiency: Without proper debt resolution mechanisms, the economy suffers from reduced consumer spending power and higher rates of bad debt that ultimately increase borrowing costs for everyone.

Social Stability: Over-indebtedness contributes to family breakdown, mental health challenges, and social unrest—problems that effective debt counselling can help mitigate.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Consumer Credit Bill

The Namibian Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) has been developing a comprehensive Consumer Credit Bill that promises to revolutionize consumer protection in Namibia. This bill represents the most significant reform of consumer credit legislation since independence and may finally introduce proper debt counselling frameworks.

The proposed legislation aims to repeal the outdated Usury Act and Credit Agreements Act, replacing them with modern consumer protection mechanisms. While the full details of debt counselling provisions remain to be seen, the bill's emphasis on "fair and transparent rules within the consumer credit market" suggests that debt counselling could finally receive the attention it deserves.

What Namibians Deserve

As the Consumer Credit Bill moves through the legislative process, policymakers must ensure that debt counselling receives comprehensive treatment. Namibian consumers deserve:

Professional Standards: A regulated profession with proper training requirements and ethical guidelines Accessible Services: Affordable debt counselling available in both urban and rural areas Legal Protection: Clear procedures that protect consumers from creditor harassment during debt review Cultural Sensitivity: Services that understand Namibia's unique economic and cultural context

The Path Forward

The introduction of proper debt counselling legislation won't solve Namibia's economic challenges overnight, but it would provide crucial consumer protection infrastructure for the future. As we await the Consumer Credit Bill's passage, civil society organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and financial institutions should collaborate to raise awareness about the importance of debt counselling.

Financial literacy programs should be expanded to help consumers understand their rights and options. Legal aid organizations should prepare to support consumers navigating new debt counselling procedures. And the banking sector should view debt counselling not as a threat to profitability, but as a tool for creating sustainable lending relationships.

Conclusion: No More Waiting

For too long, Namibian consumers have been left to face debt crises alone, armed only with colonial-era laws that offer little protection in today's complex financial landscape. The time for half-measures and delays has passed.

As our legislators consider the Consumer Credit Bill, they hold the power to transform the lives of countless Namibian families. Comprehensive debt counselling legislation isn't just about financial regulation—it's about human dignity, economic justice, and building a more equitable society where temporary financial setbacks don't become permanent life sentences.

The question isn't whether Namibia can afford to implement proper debt counselling legislation. The question is whether we can afford not to.

The author advocates for comprehensive consumer protection reforms and writes on financial inclusion issues in Southern Africa.

How Namibia’s Laws Have Changed to Protect You from Bad Credit Deals (1990–2025)

Why Should You Care?

If you’ve ever taken a loan, bought a car on instalment, or borrowed money from a micro-lender, you’ve been affected by consumer credit laws. These laws are designed to make sure lenders don’t rip you off—and Namibia’s have come a long way since independence.

Here’s a breakdown of how consumer credit protection in Namibia has evolved, what it means for you, and what’s coming next.

The Old Rules We Inherited

Before Independence (Pre-1990):

Namibia used laws from South Africa. Back then, we were under South African rule, and they applied their laws in South West Africa (what Namibia was called before independence).

Two main laws controlled consumer credit (i.e., loans and borrowing):

1. Usury Act of 1968

   • What it did: Set limits on how much interest lenders could charge.

   • Why it mattered: It stopped lenders from charging ridiculously high rates.

   • Still used after independence? Yes.

2. Credit Agreements Act of 1980

   • What it did: Controlled how credit agreements (like buying things on hire purchase) should work.

   • Still used after independence? Yes, for decades.

These laws were never really designed for Namibia’s unique financial situation, but we used them anyway for more than 30 years after 1990.

Namibia Starts Making Its Own Laws

2018 – The Microlending Act

• Why it’s important: This was Namibia’s first homegrown law for small loans, especially those given by microlenders (think cash loans and short-term lending).

• What it aimed to fix: Some micro-lenders were operating without clear rules, and people were getting stuck in cycles of debt.

  
  

Who’s Watching the Lenders?

NAMFISA – Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority

• What they do: They’re like the watchdog of the financial sector.

• Why they matter: They make sure banks, insurers, microlenders, and now even debt collectors follow the rules.

• Main goal: Protect you, the consumer.

Big Changes Happening Now (2020–2025)

2020 – Consumer Credit Policy

• What’s that? A policy that identifies problems in the old laws and sets the direction for new ones.

• What it looks at: How to fill the gaps, regulate lenders better, and protect borrowers.

2023–2025 – Drafting the New Consumer Credit Bill

This is the most important change coming soon. It’s still being finalized after public consultations.

The new Consumer Credit Bill plans to:

• Replace the old laws (Usury Act 1968, Credit Agreements Act 1980, Microlending Act 2018).

• Regulate debt collectors for the first time in Namibia.

• Create fair rules so borrowers understand the real cost of loans.

• Introduce debt counselling to help people who are overwhelmed by debt.

What Is “Debt Counselling”?

It’s when trained professionals help you manage your debt. They can:

• Negotiate better repayment terms with lenders

• Help you avoid losing your assets

• Offer financial advice

Timeline of Namibia’s Credit Law Journey

Year	Key Event
1990	Independence – inherited credit laws from South Africa
2018	Microlending Act introduced to control small loan lenders
2020	Government starts writing a full Consumer Credit Policy
2023–2025	Drafting and consultation for the Consumer Credit Bill

What Does This All Mean for You?

If you’re a young adult in Namibia trying to borrow money, buy a car, or use credit in any way, the new laws aim to:

• Protect you from predatory lenders

• Ensure you understand your credit terms

• Give you support if you’re drowning in debt

The Consumer Credit Bill, once passed, will be a major step toward a fairer financial system in Namibia. It’s about time we moved on from laws made for another country over 50 years ago.

Let’s Talk:

Have you ever had a bad experience with a lender or been confused by loan terms? Share your story in the comments, or message me—we’re all learning how to navigate Namibia’s financial system better.

Namibian Telephone Numbering Plan - Updated 2025

 Consumer Rights and Number Portability

Your telephone number belongs to you. This is a basic accepted principle by any consumer. After all, who would dial your number unless they wanted to speak to you?

It should therefore mean that you can keep your number even if you change your provider from one network to another or even from a mobile company to your home telephone. The idea that your number belongs to you is called number portability and the method of implementing this is through a National Telephone Numbering Plan.

As a consumer, you have an attachment to your number. After all, you give it out on your CV, to your friends and family and to creditors. If you change your telephone service provider, you will have to face the inconvenience of learning the new number, changing your documents and making sure everyone knows your new number. This inconvenience has a financial cost and could be important in forcing you to stay with your service provider, even if you are unhappy with the service, or can get a better deal from another provider.

Being able to change your provider without changing your number gives you, as the consumer, the power and the right to choose the telephone service provider that makes you happy with its price, service and products.

Global Context and Standards

Since 2002, most countries around the world have opened their telecommunications markets to competition (that include a national numbering plan), which has accelerated the deployment of telecommunications services more quickly and cost-effectively than past monopolies have achieved. For example, the European Union (EU) Universal Service and Users' Rights Directive (2002/22/EC), Article 30 effective since July 2003 imposes on all EU member states the following obligations:

"Member states shall ensure that all subscribers of publicly available telephone services, including mobile services, who so request can retain their number(s) independently of the undertaking providing the service:

• In the case of geographic numbers, at a specific location; and
• In the case of non-geographic numbers, at any location."

CRAN's Mandate and Current Status

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is mandated to establish a numbering plan and to require mobile number portability. Update 2025: Despite the original 2013 deadline, mobile number portability has not yet been fully implemented in Namibia.

Current Status: Number portability implementation has been stalled due to technical alignment issues between operators, with CRAN stating that "Number Portability will not be enforceable and the amended regulations cannot be promulgated until all operators are aligned in terms of the technical requirements."

However, CRAN has indicated that it is still determined to liberalize telephone numbers through Mobile Number Portability service and steer telecom carriers to focus on service delivery.

Regulatory Framework

CRAN must establish a numbering policy that provides a legal, legislative, and regulatory basis for competition. The regulator must decide on numbering and dialing schemes, services, technologies, and billing and tariff methods that support its chosen numbering policy. It must also establish a fair, neutral office for numbering administration.

Legal Basis: Section 81(3) of the Communications Act requires that the Numbering Plan must provide for mobile number portability by all technology and service neutral licensees, with Section 81(4) authorizing CRAN to impose additional requirements in the Numbering Plan relating to number portability.

Current Numbering Structure

Update 2025: Namibia's current telephone numbering structure includes:

• Country Code: +264
• Landline numbers: Follow the format 061 XXXXXX (for Windhoek area)
• Mobile numbers: Typically start with 081 XXXXXXX format
• Toll-free numbers: Use 080 XXXXXXX format

Industry Resistance and Challenges

From discussions with CRAN and industry representatives, it remains evident that certain telephone providers would prefer not to have a numbering plan fully implemented. The argument being put forward is that the plan has not worked well in some countries because of the costs involved, the implementing agency not being technically capable, etc.

It is understandable that CRAN should look at the costs or other issues involved for the providers as they will put these costs on to us as the end user. However, the power granted to the consumer to change providers will force cheaper prices and better service which is the ultimate reason for the establishment of regulatory authorities that need to "take into account consumer needs."

Market Context 2025

Update 2025: As of January 2024, mobile connections in Namibia equaled 110.8% of the population, representing a decrease of 18,000 connections from the start of 2023. This high penetration rate makes number portability even more critical for consumer choice and market competition.

The telecommunications market has evolved significantly since 2012, with mobile services becoming even more dominant and consumers increasingly dependent on their mobile numbers for business, banking, and personal communications.

The Path Forward

Regulatory Developments: The regulator suspended the issuing of new telecoms and broadcasting licenses between October 2022 and September 2023 and intends to review the current frequency band plan. This suggests ongoing efforts to restructure and improve the telecommunications regulatory framework.

As consumers, we often do not have the regulations or protection we need because we lack an adequately funded organization that will look after our needs and address issues such as the national numbering plan to ensure that government and its regulatory authorities such as CRAN take into account consumer needs.

The Need for Consumer Advocacy: The delay in implementing number portability over a decade past the original 2013 deadline highlights the ongoing need for stronger consumer advocacy and pressure on regulatory authorities to prioritize consumer rights over industry resistance.

This needs to change. Consumers deserve the right to keep their numbers when switching providers, and this basic consumer protection should not be indefinitely delayed due to technical or commercial disputes between operators.

---

Originally published: November 12, 2012
Updated: June 29, 2025

Navigating the Debt Maze: How Namibia's Consumer Law Can Offer a Lifeline

The 'In Duplum' Rule and the Fight Against Endless Debt

In an increasingly complex financial world, many individuals find themselves caught in a relentless cycle of debt, often exacerbated by mounting interest charges. For consumers in Namibia, understanding their rights and the legal frameworks designed to protect them is paramount. This blog post delves into a crucial legal principle, the 'in duplum' rule, and explores how robust consumer law can serve as a vital safeguard against predatory lending practices and the spiral of perpetual indebtedness.

Understanding the In Duplum Rule: A Shield Against Excessive Interest

The term "in duplum" is a Latin phrase meaning "in double," and its origins can be traced back to Roman Dutch law. At its core, the in duplum rule dictates that interest on a debt ceases to accrue once the total amount of unpaid interest equals the outstanding capital amount. This principle serves as a critical mechanism to prevent interest from accumulating indefinitely, thereby protecting debtors from an insurmountable burden of debt.

Historically, it has been considered both illegal and immoral to charge interest that exceeds the original principal amount owed. However, as the initial basis highlighted, this common law rule often faced uncertainty in its application, particularly in court proceedings. Creditors, including banks, lawyers, and debt collectors, sometimes exploited this ambiguity, leading to situations where additional charges like legal fees, tracing fees, and administrative costs could inflate the debt far beyond the original amount, effectively circumventing the spirit of the in duplum rule.

In South Africa, the in duplum rule has been codified into statute, providing clearer guidelines and stronger protection for consumers against exorbitant interest rates. This statutory enactment has brought much-needed clarity and certainty to its application, ensuring that consumers are better shielded from predatory practices.

The In Duplum Rule in Namibia: A Call for Codification

While the in duplum rule has its roots in common law and is recognized in Namibia, its application has historically been subject to the same uncertainties faced in other common law jurisdictions. The lack of a clear statutory framework in Namibia, similar to that in South Africa, means that the interpretation and enforcement of this crucial principle can vary. This ambiguity leaves consumers vulnerable to situations where their debt can still escalate significantly due to various charges that fall outside the strict definition of 'interest' but effectively double or even triple the original capital owed.

The need for legal clarity and explicit statutory protection for consumers in Namibia is evident. Without it, the principle of in duplum, while morally and legally sound in theory, may not provide the comprehensive safeguard that indebted individuals desperately need. The original article emphasised that the Consumer Law in Namibia *can* do a lot, but the reality is that without codification, its effectiveness in preventing the 'endless circle of debt and poverty' remains limited. 

Namibian Consumer Protection: Historical Context and Current Frameworks

Before Namibia's independence in 1990, the legal landscape, including consumer protection, was largely governed by South African laws. Key legislation that applied during this period included the "Credit Agreements Act (75 of 1980)" and the "Usury Act", which provided some level of protection against exploitative lending practices and excessive interest rates. These acts, inherited from the pre-independence era, formed the foundational elements of consumer protection in the territory.

Post-independence, Namibia has developed its own set of laws and regulations aimed at ensuring fair and transparent business practices. While there isn't a single, comprehensive consumer protection act that consolidates all aspects, the current framework is a mosaic of various pieces of legislation. It's important to note that the Consumer Protection Act (No. 68 of 2003), often referenced in discussions about consumer rights in the region, is a South African law and not directly applicable in Namibia.

Instead, Namibia's consumer protection landscape includes:

• Competition Act (2003): This Act promotes and maintains competition by regulating anti-competitive practices, ensuring consumers benefit from diverse goods and services at competitive prices.
• Sale of Goods Act (1990): This legislation governs the sale of goods and services, outlining consumer rights regarding product quality, delivery, and payment terms. 
• Consumer Protection Regulations (2011): These regulations complement existing consumer protection efforts, offering detailed rules on consumer dispute resolution, labeling, and product safety standards.
• Consumer Protection Policy(2020): Namibia is in the process of developing a comprehensive Consumer Protection Act to safeguard consumer rights and promote fair business practices

Consumers in Namibia are afforded several fundamental rights, including the right to accurate information, safety, redress, fair treatment, choice, and privacy. Businesses are mandated to provide clear and truthful information, ensure product quality and safety, honor warranties, and maintain transparent pricing. Existing consumer protection efforts also extend to e-commerce transactions, including provisions for cooling-off periods and data privacy. 

Despite these existing frameworks, a significant gap remains: the absence of a single, comprehensive consumer protection law that consolidates and clarifies all aspects of consumer rights and protections. As noted in various discussions, Namibia currently relies on a principles-based approach, which, while allowing for flexibility, can lead to fragmentation and uncertainty in application. This fragmented approach means that while certain aspects of consumer protection are covered, the overarching legal clarity and unified enforcement mechanism that a codified in duplum rule would bring is still lacking. 

The Imperative for Stronger Consumer Protection: Codifying In Duplum

The original article, published in 2012, presciently highlighted the urgent need for legal protection for consumers in Namibia, stating that "the Consumer law is a necessity not a nicety!" This sentiment remains profoundly relevant today. While Namibia has various laws aimed at safeguarding consumer interests, the absence of a statutory in duplum rule leaves a critical vulnerability in the fight against excessive debt. 

The experience of South Africa, where the in duplum rule has been codified, serves as a compelling example of how statutory clarity can empower consumers and curb predatory practices. Such codification provides a definitive legal basis, reducing ambiguity and ensuring consistent application by courts and creditors alike. It would prevent the "inflation" of debt through various charges that currently circumvent the common law rule, offering a true shield against the endless accumulation of interest and other fees. 

Stronger consumer protection, particularly through the codification of the in duplum rule, would:

• Provide Legal Certainty: Eliminate the ambiguities of the common law rule, offering clear guidelines for both debtors and creditors.
• Protect Vulnerable Consumers: Safeguard individuals from falling deeper into debt due to unchecked interest accumulation and ancillary charges.
• Promote Fair Lending Practices: Encourage responsible lending by limiting the potential for creditors to profit excessively from a debtor's inability to pay.
• Reduce Litigation: With clearer rules, there would be less room for disputes, potentially leading to fewer court cases related to excessive interest.

Ultimately, codifying the in duplum rule is not merely a technical legal adjustment; it is a fundamental step towards fostering a more equitable financial environment in Namibia. It would transform a common law principle with uncertain application into a robust statutory right, truly empowering consumers and fulfilling the promise of comprehensive consumer protection. 

Conclusion: A Necessity, Not a Nicety

The journey to financial stability for many Namibians is fraught with challenges, not least of which is the burden of debt. The in duplum rule, with its historical roots and protective intent, offers a powerful concept to mitigate the relentless accumulation of interest. However, for this principle to truly serve as a bulwark against the "endless circle of debt and poverty," it must be enshrined in clear, unambiguous legislation.

Namibia has made strides in consumer protection, but the time has come to solidify these protections with a statutory in duplum rule. This is not a mere nicety for legal purists; it is a fundamental necessity for the economic well-being and dignity of its citizens. By adopting a codified in duplum rule, Namibia can ensure that its consumer law truly empowers individuals, prevents exploitation, and fosters a financial landscape where debt does not become a life sentence.

It is imperative for policymakers, legal professionals, and consumer advocates to champion this cause, working collaboratively to enact legislation that provides the clarity and protection Namibian consumers deserve. Only then can the promise of a fair and just financial system be fully realised.

Creating an Information Bank for Namibian Consumers: A Vision from 1993 to Today

Since Namibia gained Independence in 1990, one of my personal missions has been to contribute to nation-building through data. As a student of computer science and statistics, I began developing a central register of information in 1993—what I now refer to as an Information Bank for Namibian consumers.

The idea was simple: make use of public data sources—such as electoral rolls, land registers, and other publicly available records—to build a comprehensive register that could assist in economic modelling and decision-making. Over time, this effort has grown into a personal data register with over 3 million records, representing more than half the country’s population.

Collaboration with Global Partners

In 1999, I began collaborating with Creditreform Düsseldorf Frormann KG in Germany. Together, we crafted a proposal for an integrated central register of both personal and business data. The goal was to support both government and the financial sector in delivering better, more targeted services.

Our primary focus during that time was on compiling a business register, which now includes more than 11,000 Namibian businesses. We’ve engaged with several government officials over the years to showcase the benefits of such a system—ranging from improved service delivery to better economic forecasting. However, despite ongoing conversations, implementation has been hampered by a limited understanding of the technology and its potential.

Personal Data as a National Asset

More recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has introduced a compelling concept: personal data as a new asset class. In their 2011 report “Rethinking Personal Data: Strengthening Trust”, the WEF outlines four major action points to develop a trusted global personal data ecosystem:

1. Engage in Dialogue

   A robust, structured conversation is needed—one that includes individuals not just as data subjects but also as creators. The focus should be on transparency, accountability, and securing trust.

2. Agree on Shared Principles

   With the slogan “think globally, act locally”, the WEF encourages the development of guiding principles that can adapt to different regulatory and cultural contexts.

3. Create New Governance Models

   Effective data ecosystems require participation from all sectors—government, private institutions, and civil society—to co-create enforcement mechanisms and frameworks for trust.

4. Establish Living Labs

   These are safe, scalable environments to test policies, technologies, and business models in real-time. They allow countries to learn and adapt quickly in a data-driven world.

A Call to Collaborate: Making Namibia a Living Lab

Namibia is uniquely positioned to become a “living lab” for personal data. We are a small but connected society, and the groundwork of data collection has already been laid. What is needed now is a collaborative effort to bring together researchers, developers, civil society, and government to build something transformative.

I invite any research institution, NGO, or data-focused initiative to partner with me in testing new models of data governance, accountability, and service delivery—right here in Namibia. The Information Bank I have developed is not only a digital archive; it is a foundation for the future.

As we rethink how we manage and use personal and business data, Namibia has a chance to lead—not by having the biggest system, but by creating the smartest and most trusted one.

Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught? Rethinking How We Nurture Innovators

For decades, entrepreneurship has been viewed through a romantic lens—one that celebrates lone geniuses, risk-takers, and rule-breakers who build empires out of thin air. This perception has given rise to a myth: that entrepreneurship is a rare, inborn talent that can’t be taught. But as the global economy shifts and innovation becomes a necessity rather than a luxury, we must challenge this idea.

It Starts with a Definition

To answer the question of whether entrepreneurship can be taught, we must first redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is not simply about starting a business or owning a company. According to management thinker Peter Drucker, entrepreneurship is “not magic, not mysterious, and it has nothing to do with genes. It is a discipline—and like any discipline, it can be learned.”

Entrepreneurship is about identifying opportunities, applying creative solutions, and building value—whether in the private, public, or social sectors. This mindset can be taught, nurtured, and embedded in individuals from a young age.

Education as a Catalyst

Around the world, forward-thinking education systems are integrating entrepreneurship into mainstream learning—not as a standalone subject, but as a way of thinking.

Best practice example: Finland

In Finland, entrepreneurship education starts early. Schools encourage project-based learning, teamwork, problem-solving, and student-led initiatives. Entrepreneurship is embedded across subjects, helping students develop a sense of initiative and responsibility.

What we can do locally:

• Teachers should develop cross-disciplinary approaches that promote critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

• Curriculum designers must focus on instilling entrepreneurial attitudes—curiosity, resilience, adaptability—not just business skills.

• Entrepreneurship should be embedded in school life: through competitions, idea fairs, student-run enterprises, and exposure to role models.

These methods help students see entrepreneurship not as a career path for a chosen few, but as a mindset for navigating life.

Families and Communities Have a Role Too

Parents and communities can spark curiosity and innovation by encouraging children to explore, create, and experiment. Whether it’s starting a garden project, a small side hustle, or managing a household budget, every activity that encourages responsibility and innovation lays the foundation for future entrepreneurial thinking.

The Role of Government: Enabling, Not Controlling

Government policy can make or break a country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Best practice example: Singapore

Singapore has developed one of the most entrepreneur-friendly environments in the world by combining robust education reforms with strong public-private partnerships. Government incentives include start-up grants, innovation hubs, simplified business registration, and bankruptcy laws that encourage risk-taking without lifelong penalties.

What we can do locally:

• Reform bankruptcy laws to remove the stigma of failure.

• Provide tax breaks and incentives for start-ups and early-stage investors.

• Celebrate entrepreneurs as national assets—not just when they succeed, but for taking the initiative in the first place.

Unlocking the 15%

Globally, it’s believed that around 20% of any given population has entrepreneurial potential. Yet in many developing countries, including Namibia and South Africa, the actual entrepreneurship rate hovers far lower—around 5%. That means we’re missing out on a huge pool of potential.

This deficit isn’t due to a lack of talent. It stems from a lack of exposure, support, and belief. Our job—whether as educators, policymakers, or community members—is not necessarily to “teach entrepreneurship” to everyone, but to create the conditions where it can emerge. We must help individuals recognise their potential and give them the tools to act on it.

Not Everyone Needs to Be an Entrepreneur—But Everyone Needs Entrepreneurial Skills