The overwhelming dominance of foreign content not only drains royalties out of the country, financially sidelining local artists, but also stifles the growth of local creative industries and the job opportunities they could generate.

These were the sentiments of PDM MP Inna Hengari while tabling a motion that calls for urgent action to protect and promote Namibian content economically, culturally, and legislatively.

Hengari called on the government to establish a Local Content Development Fund to accomplish these.

According to Hengari, over 80% of the music played on radio stations is foreign.

However, this challenge, she said, extends beyond music.

Other artistic sectors, such as film, theater, and dance, are equally affected, limiting the development of a truly vibrant and self-sustaining cultural economy.

Hengari, however, expressed optimism, noting that the government's recent commitment of 50 million to the creative industry is a promising step toward addressing these gaps, but noted that more could be done by introducing a Local Content Development Fund.

For a small population, this targeted investment, she said, ensures a steady pipeline of competitive local content without over-relying on high percentage quotas that may strain Namibia's limited production capacity.

She said by implementing this measure, Namibia can create an ecosystem where local talent thrives as envisioned by many Namibian artists.