Opinion: Can Namibia pursue data-driven development?

In development discussions, data and statistics matter more than good intentions and good wishes. In studying the Namibian Assessment Report on Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area, I am both shocked and hopeful at the same time. I asked myself these developmental questions: If Namibia has the potential to generate N$816 million in the African market by 2030, why are we not guided by these numbers to move in the direction we want our country to get into?

The assessment report further indicates that Namibia has an unrealised potential of generating N$3.9 billion in untapped trade with the world by 2030. This indicates that, regardless of the challenges our country faces, we still have the potential to make things right. The question we are all asking ourselves is: can we be guided by the numbers and act on adding value to our products?