The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) has welcomed progress towards the revival of Namibia’s national airline, including the recent handover of licences to Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi and the Namibia Air Committee.

The youth league considers a national carrier important for national connectivity, trade and tourism. The development follows the acquisition of aircraft, with the first flight scheduled for the first week of December. The organisation acknowledges that several requirements still need to be met before operations can begin, including obtaining an air operator certificate and securing the necessary technical and financial capacity.

The revival of the national airline is among the commitments contained in the Swapo Party’s 2025 to 2030 election manifesto.

SPYL has also welcomed the allocation of N$10 million towards the revival of the Namibia Annual Music Awards. The 2027 NAMAs were officially launched by Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Dr Sanet Steenkamp, following a six-year break. The youth league views the creative sector as an important part of the economy and is calling for transparent selection processes and partnerships with the private sector to support Namibian artists.

It is further urging government ministries, departments and agencies to accelerate the implementation of commitments contained in the Swapo manifesto and the Sixth National Development Plan. Among its priorities is the development of water infrastructure from Angola to areas in northern Namibia, which it believes could support agricultural production and job creation.

The youth league is also calling on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to hold government leaders accountable for the implementation of government commitments.