For many years, Africa has been blessed with natural resources, yet many Africans continue to live in poverty, and that is something we must change.
We have watched our minerals, oil, and other resources leave our continent while unemployment, inequality, and underdevelopment remain.
Today, Namibia stands at a turning point.
The discovery of oil and gas is not just about making money it is about deciding whether these resources will improve the lives of Namibians or simply enrich other nations.
One leader who understood this very well was Thomas Sankara, whom I have always loved and I continue learning about his perspective regarding our African resources.
He believed that Africa’s resources should first benefit Africans.
He wanted the wealth of a nation to build schools, hospitals, industries, and create jobs instead of making foreign countries richer.
His vision is still relevant today, and I believe Namibia should follow the same path.
Oil, gas, and green hydrogen have the potential to transform our country’s future, but only if we manage them wisely.
We cannot allow history to repeat itself, where foreign companies extract our resources while young Namibians remain unemployed.
We need meaningful participation through skills development, scholarships, technology transfer, local business opportunities, and decent jobs.
Namibia should also ensure that its strategic natural resources remain under strong national ownership and control.
While partnerships and investment can play an important role, the wealth generated from our oil, gas, and other strategic resources must primarily serve the interests of the Namibian people.
As a country we must not go negotiate to the point of benefiting equally with investors.
We have to make sure that our resources should not leave the country while our communities continue to struggle with poverty and unemployment.
Our natural wealth must be used to build a self reliant and industrialised Namibia.
For me, success will not be measured by the number of foreign investors who come to Namibia.
Success will be measured by how many Namibian families are lifted out of poverty, how many young people find employment, and how many communities receive better schools, hospitals, roads, electricity, and clean water because of these resources.
At the same time, we must think beyond oil and gas.
The revenue we earn today should be invested in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, fisheries, education, renewable energy, and value addition so that future generations inherit a stronger, more diversified, and self sufficient economy.
If we fail to protect our national interests, history will repeat itself.
Our oil will power industries in other countries while many Namibians continue to struggle with unemployment and poverty, especially in rural areas such as Okakarara, Oniipa, Okatana, and many others.
That would be a betrayal of future generations.
As a student and youth leader, I believe our generation has a responsibility to speak up.
We must demand transparency, accountability, and policies that put Namibians first.
Our natural resources are a national inheritance, and every citizen should benefit from them.
We must never accept a situation where our resources enrich others while our own people remain spectators.
The future of Namibia is not determined by the amount of oil beneath our soil but by the decisions we make today.
If our oil, gas, and energy cannot benefit the people of Namibia first, then they will certainly benefit other nations.
In conclusion I believe in nationalisation of our resources.
The choice is ours. Let us build a Namibia where our natural resources become the foundation of economic freedom, national dignity, and shared prosperity.
Okuhepa, Aluta continua!!! Yours faithfully, Rodger Ndjiisira Karamata Student and Youth Leader
