‘Africa must now fight for economic freedom’ – Ngurare

Patience Makwele

Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called for Africa to move beyond political independence towards economic liberation, urging governments to ensure the continent’s resources create jobs and opportunities for its people, particularly the youth.

Ngurare made the remarks after representing President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Summit in Luanda, Angola, where leaders discussed peace, dialogue and international cooperation as drivers of development.

Speaking on his return, the Prime Minister said lasting peace was the foundation for economic growth and stressed that young Africans should be at the centre of efforts to transform the continent’s economies.

“Now that we are politically free, we must now be economically free. The resources of Africa must benefit Africans and young people must be at the forefront of this beneficiation,” Ngurare said.

His remarks come as Namibia continues to grapple with high unemployment, particularly among young people, amid growing calls for greater local beneficiation of natural resources and increased employment opportunities.