A bold step forward for Namibia’s creative scene is underway. This week, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture officially launched the National Consultations on the Draft Namibia Cultural and Creative Industry Strategy 2025–2030. The goal is to shape a robust, coordinated, and inclusive framework that will guide the country’s cultural and creative sectors into the next decade.
The event gathered a diverse group: government officials, UNESCO representatives, cultural practitioners, and members of the broader creative community. In a speech delivered on his behalf, Deputy Director Boyson Ngondo emphasized that this launch marks a pivotal moment for strengthening Namibia’s national creative ecosystem. The draft strategy, he explained, will steer improvements in policy coordination, support for creative entrepreneurship, and expanded access to essential resources. Ngondo also highlighted that the consultations will capture input from all relevant stakeholders—artists, cultural workers, institutions, and communities—to ensure the strategy reflects real-world needs. He extended thanks to UNESCO Namibia consultant Patrick Sam and other collaborators who contributed to drafting the document.
Helvi Inotila Moshell, UNESCO’s National Programme Officer for Culture, praised the use of Culture 2030 indicators to anchor policymaking in evidence. By aligning cultural policies with measurable outcomes and national development priorities under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), Namibia signals a commitment to data-driven governance. Moshell commended the ministry’s leadership and recognized the essential roles that artists, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs will play during the consultation phase. She reaffirmed UNESCO’s support for developing the Strategy and highlighted its potential to unlock opportunities for young people, empower women, and strengthen intercultural dialogue.
Across the country, the national consultations will proceed, offering stakeholders ongoing opportunities to contribute to a strategy designed to build a more coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable cultural and creative industry for Namibia.
