Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President, Republic of Namibia

It's an honor for Namibia to be part of the launch of the Global Innovation Index 2025.

It's necessary that Namibia is part of the global village, and contributes to this important conversation on innovation.

It's a fact that innovation is not just a tool for progress, it's the very heartbeat of our future.

Namibia continues to make steady progress on its innovation agenda, guided by NDP6 and the SWAPO Party Manifesto, we are working to build an ecosystem where ideas can flourish, industries can grow, and innovation becomes a driver of national, social economic transformation.

This progress reflects the efforts of our researchers, entrepreneurs, policy makers and innovators who are laying the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive knowledge economy.

At the same time, we recognize the challenges that remains, particularly in converting knowledge into technology output and ensuring that infrastructure supports innovation for every Namibian. In the coming years we are prioritizing the strengthening of our creative industry and unlocking their potential to transform ideas into solutions that serve both Namibia and in the world.

We all know innovation is not easy, especially in today's uncertain global climate, but it's essential.

It will help us to diversify our economy, create meaningful jobs, and enable our youth to shape a future full of possibilities and hope.

Namibia is set to harness innovation as a force for resilience, progress and a shared prosperity.

We thank WIPO for this opportunity.

Let us continue to innovate, collaborate and to build a future where every idea finds its place in the world's ecosystem for development.

I thank you.