Ngurare calls for public service transformation - nbc

Описание: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called for urgent and bold transformation within the public service.

Dr. Ngurare described innovation as the foundation for economic growth and improved service delivery.

Speaking at the opening of the first-ever Public Service Innovation Conference, the prime minister said the event signals Namibia's firm commitment to building an efficient, digitally enabled, citizen-centered, and performance-driven public service.

Dr. Ngurare emphasised that Namibia is entering a decisive phase requiring faster economic growth, expanded employment opportunities, and improved service delivery.

He noted that achieving these goals demands more than incremental reform but rather rapid institutional transformation aligned with Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan.

Held under the theme "Innovating the Public Sector—From Policy to Practice," the premier added that inefficiencies in government systems slow entrepreneurship, reduce investor confidence, and erode public trust.

“When entrepreneurs face administrative delays, growth slows. When investors encounter fragmented systems, competitiveness as an investment destination declines. When content creators cannot monetise their efforts, they cannot earn an income. When public servants have to do everything manually, it reduces efficiency. When citizens experience inefficient service delivery, trust erodes. Public sector innovation is therefore not separate from economic development—it is central to it.”

Dr. Ngurare highlighted the importance of fully implementing the Public Sector Innovation Policy, urging ministries, agencies, and offices to operationalise innovation committees and empower innovation champions.

He stressed that performance systems must reward creativity, collaboration, and measurable results.

Dr. Ngurare also highlighted the central role of technical and vocational education and training institutions in equipping young people with industry-relevant skills needed for digital systems, infrastructure maintenance, and service optimisation.

“Equally important is the role of civil society. Innovation is strongest when it is inclusive. Civil society organizations bring grassroots insight, community engagement, and social accountability. They understand the lived realities of our citizens—especially the vulnerable, rural, and marginalized communities. A citizen-centred public service must listen, engage and co-create solutions with civil society actors. Governance in the 21st century is participatory, not hierarchical.”

Among practical reforms, Dr. Ngurare pointed to the One-Stop Service Centre model as a key innovation to reduce bureaucracy, improve business formalisation, and enhance citizen convenience.