The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Dr Tobie Aupindi, says accountability in the management of Namibia's natural wealth is not optional.

He was speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop held in Swakopmund, attended by representatives from the mining, energy, fishing, tourism, agriculture, and land sectors.

The workshop aimed to build capacity, share progress, and align national strategies on natural resource development in a transparent manner.

Dr Aupindi said government ministries, SOEs, and the private sector are expected to fully engage with Parliament and move beyond superficial cooperation.

He stressed that these engagements are central to Parliament’s constitutional duty to oversee national asset management and ensure long-term benefits for all citizens.

“We will explore potential for Namibia to become number one by using Namibia’s natural resources to promote economic growth through sustainable solutions. Therefore, this engagement has come at an opportune time as the Committee is meeting relevant stakeholders under their mandates to gain more insight in the progress made and milestones reached in areas such as energy, electricity security, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and energy sources meant to secure the future of Namibia,” he said.

Swakopmund Deputy Mayor Suamma Kautondokwa also addressed the workshop.

“Erongo Region does not only offer tourism opportunities in Namibia, but it also offers economic activities such as mining and fishing industries, and these two sectors that fall within the Standing Committee’s mandate are the biggest employers in the region,” she said.