The Avenue: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is in the news…we wonder WHY…

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah…the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation has been trending all weekend for her infectious optimism. I love me some good old political YES, WE CAN optimism. According to the seasoned diplomat…Namibia can be an exporter of food. Sounds simple right? I mean everyone can export a biltong pack or two. Ousi Netumbo MEANS Namibia can be an exporter of food on an industrial level. You know…go pound for pound with countries like South Africa who exports Citrus, wine, table grapes, corn and apples FOR FUN!

Hence “infectious enthusiasm”. I can almost hear you accuse me of just being a ridicous pessimist. Right. Pardon my pessimism because Namibia imports almost 99.9% imports all food. But hey…if Ousi Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah can dream it….why can’t we also dream it?

She did add though that Namibia can only achieve food security and improved nutrition if it engages in agricultural activities with a commitment to increasing food production.

She made these exceptionally bold remarks during her visit to the Tsumkwe integrated community-based food systems project.

In her own words:

“What is always considered a challenge Namibia faces in the area of food production is water. We must know Namibia is part of Africa and Africa has enough water that can be shared throughout the continent. We are in a good position to benefit from the available water in the Congo River in DRC,”

Alright Madam boss….we’ll take your word for it and hang on to it for dear life. As we desperately need positive news all around.