With a national unemployment rate in Namibia of approximately 34%, and youth unemployment reaching 46%, it is crucial to give special attention to youth and people with disabilities when addressing the issue of decent work for all.​

Investing in SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) can help Namibia address current employment challenges to move the needle on key priority areas such as poverty eradication, zero hunger, improved health care, and education.​

Progress on target 8.5 should be supported with policies to reduce energy intensity and to increase its efficiency  to mitigate the negative impact on the share of renewable energy (Target 7.2) and energy  efficiency (Target 7.3).

Namibia ranks 104th out of 152 countries in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s 2020 Competitive Industrial Performance Index, down from 97th in 2019. Namibia’s industry faces several challenges, including global diamond price volatility, inadequate access to affordable and reliable infrastructure, such as electricity, transport and water supply, stringent international sanitary regulations and a shortage of labour skills. To spur industrialization, the Government is emphasizing its sustainable Special Economic Zones programme, the Growth at Home Strategy, promoting and facilitating local and foreign investments and new ventures.​

By investing in SDG 9.1 (Industry, Infrastructure and Innovation), Namibia can improve on its current employment challenges and shift its key priorities to the eradication of poverty, reducing inequality, improving the business environment and encouraging local entrepreneurship. Such initiatives, complemented with continued state support for new industries, such as green hydrogen, will increase the economy’s ability to absorb its ever-increasing youth population into the workforce.​

Namibia is ranked as one of the most unequal countries globally, as evidenced by its high Gini coefficient of 57.6 in 2015. This social imbalance is explained by a historical legacy of apartheid, unequal  land distribution and inequitable access to resources and opportunities. ​​

To tackle these issues, the Namibian Government has implemented policies, such as the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act and the Land Reform Programme, which aim to address historical injustices and to promote inclusive growth. Furthermore, the National Planning Commission's Vision 2030 and National Development Plans prioritize inclusive and equitable development to bridge gaps and to uplift marginalized communities thereby presenting opportunities for meaningful progress in reducing inequalities.​

To address SDG target 10.1 , Namibia should prioritize tackling the underlying issues that contribute to inequities and impede shared prosperity. In that regard, it is crucial to address geographical disparities, both in terms of economic opportunities and access to social services. By reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity, Namibia can work towards a more just society.​

Urbanization and rapid population growth present challenges in providing adequate housing, basic services and infrastructure in Namibia's cities. To tackle these issues, the Namibian Government has implemented policies, such as the National Housing Policy and the Slum Upgrading and Prevention Policy, which aim to improve housing conditions and upgrade informal settlements. ​

Progress in achieving SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), aligns with Namibia's national priorities for social progress, as outlined in the Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPPII). Specifically, it supports the goal of providing urban land, housing and sanitation. However, gaps still exist in the current policy response. Stronger coordination between sectors is needed to address urban challenges comprehensively. ​

In addition, efforts are called for to integrate sustainable transportation systems and to enhance disaster preparedness to ensure resilient and sustainable urban development. Investing in Target 11.1 can both advance the objectives of HPP II, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the quality of settlements and ensuring access to essential services, such as electricity, water, sanitation, education, health care, roads and internet connectivity and access.​

In Namibia, approximately 67% of the population are satisfied with the public services they receive. By  focusing on SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and, in particular target 16.6, measures can be a booster shot needed to promote inclusive economic growth, ensure quality, effective and equitable access to public services to the poor.  ​

Investing in SDG 16 will also inject the necessary momentum toward the focus on human rights, including strengthening national human rights institutions. This means that Namibia could set a higher ambition with  strong mechanisms of accountability in strengthening public service performance management systems. When this happens,  it will have a renewed urge to collectively deliver on the development aspirations of the country, in the spirit of “Harambee – pulling together in the same direction”. a positive multiplier effect on other SDGs. ​