Global Accelerator contributes to public-private dialogue to drive decent work in Namibia

Windhoek, Namibia (ILO News) - The Government of Namibia, through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), convened a Public-Private Forum from 23–24 October 2025 to advance a shared agenda for decent job creation and sustainable growth. The two-day dialogue brought together government ministries, business leaders, workers’ organisations, and development partners. The event, attended by over 300 participants, was joined throughout by the Head of State and members of Cabinet, who actively participated in the discussions on how public–private collaboration can advance decent work, accelerate employment, enterprise development, and social protection.

A business-unusual approach built on trust, reform and partnership.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the President of the Republic of Namibia

"A business-unusual approach built on trust, reform and partnership" affirmed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the President of the Republic of Namibia in her opening remarks at the Forum. She redeclared the Government’s commitment to tackling unemployment and poverty.

During the meeting, ten thematic working groups addressed key sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, energy, logistics, finance, mining, and MSME development, with cross-cutting focus areas on youth employment, digital innovation and green transitions.

The Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions informed the policy dialogue at the Forum, touted as a model for aligning private sector development with decent work outcomes. Speaking at the Forum, Hopolang Phororo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia, underlined the importance of sustained collaboration: "Namibia’s ambitions for inclusive, job-rich growth require coordinated policy action, sustainable financing and responsible private-sector leadership...The Global Accelerator provides a platform for joint action—co-designing, co-investing and co-delivering solutions that create jobs and expand social protection"

Namibia’s ambitions for inclusive, job-rich growth require coordinated policy action, sustainable financing and responsible private-sector leadership...The Global Accelerator provides a platform for joint action—co-designing, co-investing and co-delivering solutions that create jobs and expand social protection

Hopolang Phororo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia

© ILO

© ILO

Participants discussed Namibia’s progress as a Pathfinder Country under the Global Accelerator, noting integrated policy actions focused on employment creation, youth entrepreneurship and the extension of social protection aligned with NDP 6. Phororo emphasized the value of a whole-of-government approach and the “Delivering One-UN” approach to ensure lasting impact through coherent policy, financing, and implementation support.

The Forum also highlighted the need for sustainable and predictable financing systems to underpin employment promotion and universal social protection. Phororo stressed that such efforts must align public, private and international resources to build inclusive, resilient labour markets and advance green and digital transitions.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) were also discussed as a key vehicle to mobilise investment and expertise for jobs and social protection. “When done right—through transparent governance and shared value—PPPs ensure mutual benefit: government gains developmental impact, people gain decent jobs, and the private sector earns fair returns,” Phororo added.

The Forum concluded with a call to action for the private sector, under the Global Accelerator, to translate Namibia’s ambitions for decent work and social protection into tangible results for all.