Namibia has called on the global maritime sector to translate blue economy policies into practical action to create jobs, strengthen food security and expand international trade.
Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi made the call on Thursday at the opening of Walvis Bay Maritime Week 2026 in the coastal town of Walvis Bay.
The event, attended by international delegates and industry leaders, was held under the theme: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
Nekundi said the theme underscored the need for stakeholders to move beyond policies and strategies and focus on their effective implementation.
“It is a theme that demands more than applause. It demands action,” he said.
He said effective implementation of maritime policies could help unlock the potential of the blue economy and promote inclusive economic growth.
Nekundi described Walvis Bay as a strategic shipping gateway linking southern Africa with international trade routes.
He outlined three priorities for the Ministry of Works and Transport: sustainable maritime infrastructure, environmental protection and human capital development.
“As the Ministry of Works and Transport, our directive is clear. We must power maritime excellence through three pillars of action. First, we must power excellence by investing heavily in sustainable maritime infrastructure,” he said.
Nekundi said Namibia must strengthen maritime safety and environmental stewardship by turning environmental policies into practical coastal protection and clean ocean practices.
“Conservation cannot remain a paragraph in a strategy document. It must be a practice on our shores and in our waters,” he added.
He also emphasised the importance of developing young people to meet the future manpower needs of the maritime industry.
“Third, we must power our people,” Nekundi said, noting that young Namibians would become future captains, marine engineers and logistics experts.
He welcomed youth focused activities during the maritime week, including the Edu-Corner, Maritime Art Competition and Namport School Debating Competition.
He said the initiatives were important in exposing young people to diverse opportunities in the maritime sector.
Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture urged stakeholders to translate economic and maritime policies into educational and career opportunities for young Namibians.
Namport Maritime Week, established in 2022, seeks to increase public understanding of Namibia’s blue economy and expose students, particularly those from inland regions, to logistics, port operations and marine careers.
The programme includes open days, exhibitions and educational talks aimed at creating greater awareness of opportunities in the maritime sector.
