3 Jan 2025
For Namibia, 2025 will be a year of hope and change. President Nangolo Mbumba emphasised this in his New Year's message. He also emphasised the importance of tourism and included Namibia's holidaymakers in his New Year's wishes.
Firstly, Mbumba looked back on the past year "with mixed feelings". He counted the death of President Hage Geingob on 4 February 2024 and the severe drought following another poor rainy season among the low points.
The President then turned to the positive developments and events. In November, Namibians elected a woman as president for the first time in the country's history, the former Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Mbumba also paid tribute to sprinter Lahja Ishitile. She won the gold medal in the women's 400 metre race at the Paralympics in Paris (see entry on Wikipedia).
The economy has continued to recover, said Mbumba. Thanks to the expansion of motorways, Namibia is well on the way to becoming the leading logistics hub in Southern Africa. His government had built more classrooms, clinics and police stations and pushed ahead with housing construction.
According to Mbumba, gas and oil deposits, developments in the mining sector and the production of 'green' hydrogen give reason to look to the new year with confidence. Other sectors, including tourism, have also gained traction.
2025 will be a year of hope, Mbumba stated, especially when it comes to the rainy season. Agriculture and, in particular, the food supply depend on this.
In terms of foreign policy, Namibia hopes for peace in conflict regions, a fairer world order and progress in the fight against climate change. Mbumba recalled Namibia's and Germany's chairmanship of the UN Summit of the Future in September.
In his New Year's message, Mbumba also referred to upcoming changes. Namibia will be celebrating its 35th anniversary of independence. With the new government and the new parliament, the generation of former resistance fighters is leaving the stage and leaving it to succeeding generations.
Namibia's President concluded by calling on all Namibians to make their contribution to a better Namibia in the new year 2025. He also included Namibia fans from abroad in his New Year's greetings. President Mbumba wished all residents and visitors of Namibia a happy and prosperous New Year.
The Office of the President has published President Nangolo Mbumba's New Year's message in full length (12:14) on its YouTube channel.
Sven-Eric Stender
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