Namibia portrayed as an underachiever.(Brief article)

In a wide ranging, August 10, 2007 interview in The Namibian (Windhoek), Namibia's biggest daily newspaper, a member of Namibia's parliament took note of the disappointing performance of the country's economy in recent years. Macroeconomic indicators appear to describe a robust economy. "But upon closer examination, its performance is revealed to be marginal, characterized by low investment, high rates of unemployment, huge income inequality, and poverty among the majority of the population."

The picture painted of the economy is one where the role of government and other institutions is disjointed and in some cases outright ineffective.

From questionable capital outflows to a seeming lack of political will to support viable manufacturing opportunities, Namibia is portrayed as an example of a market with plentiful resources and an energetic population that lacks entrepreneurial skill and management acumen. Rural development is suggested as a way to jump start positive movement toward a truly robust, globally competitive economy.

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