By Hilja Shikongo

The capital city came alive on Saturday evening as Miss World Namibia 2025, Selma Kamanya, officially launched the much-anticipated Global Namibia Tourism 1 Project at a fundraising gala held at the Avani Hotel. The event, attended by dignitaries, business leaders, sponsors, and members of the diplomatic corps, aimed to raise both awareness and support for a movement that positions Namibia as a global hub for tourism, trade, and youth empowerment.
In her keynote address, Kamanya emphasized that the project goes far beyond tourism. “Our greatest asset is our people, especially our youth,” she said. 
“We have incredible talent, brilliant minds, and natural resources, but many lack access to platforms that connect them to the world. This is why I founded The Innonation Foundation and why we are launching the Global Namibia 1 Project.”
The initiative, according to Kamanya, seeks to blend tourism promotion, international partnerships, youth empowerment, and economic diplomacy into one bold platform. She explained, “Global Namibia Tourism 1 is designed to be a bridge connecting Namibia to the world. Through social media campaigns, international partnerships, cultural diplomacy, and youth empowerment programs, we aim to showcase Namibia’s breathtaking beauty, talent, and potential to millions worldwide.”
The project will bring 11 international delegates, whose combined social media following reaches nearly a million people, to Namibia for a two-week cultural and economic immersion tour. “These delegates represent a living bridge between Namibia and a million global citizens,” Kamanya said. “Their presence amplifies Namibia’s story, fuels tourism, attracts trade, and showcases how young leaders can connect continents.”
The event also highlighted the economic significance of tourism in Namibia, with Kamanya noting that in 2023, tourism contributed over 6.9 percent of the country’s GDP and accounted for 90,000 jobs. 
“For every eight tourists that visit Namibia, one new job is created   jobs that uplift families, communities, and future generations,” she said. “Tourism does not only attract visitors. It draws in investors. It builds infrastructure. It expands our trade. And it gives our artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs a global stage for their talents.”
The gala featured a special keynote address by 
Dr. Emma Kantema, Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, who lauded Kamanya for her leadership and vision. 
“Selma Kamanya is a beacon and Ambassador of Hope for the youth of Namibia, a leader in her own right, a Champion of Change, the Voice of the Voiceless, and a Pride of Namibia,” Kantema said. 
Kantema also framed the initiative through the lens of gender empowerment. “Women run guesthouses and community conservancies. They produce crafts that are sold to the world. They manage farms and small businesses that benefit from tourism-driven markets,” she stated. 
“When we invest in tourism, we invest in women. And when we invest in women, we uplift families, communities, and entire nations. Women are game changers. That is the ripple effect of women empowerment.”
Both speakers emphasized the transformational potential of the Global Namibia 1 Project. 
Kamanya outlined the initiative’s key pillars being, Youth Innovation & Enterprise Hub: Incubation for start-ups in tech, agriculture, creative industries, and green solutions. Education & Skills for the Future: Digital literacy, coding bootcamps, green economy training, and international internship programs. Global Partnerships:  Alliances with corporations, governments, and international institutions for scholarships, funding, and mentorship opportunities.
“The Global Namibia 1 Project launches officially in September 2025, and tonight is your chance to be among the founding partners of this transformative movement,” Kamanya said. “Imagine a Namibia where a rural youth with a brilliant idea gets access to training, funding, and mentorship. Imagine turning our talent into global brands. Imagine a future where our young people are not job seekers but job creators.” Kantema echoed the call, adding, “We are invited to support a movement that will strengthen Namibia’s tourism, expand its trade, and empower its youth and women to take their rightful place in the global economy. Your contributions, your partnerships, your pledges, and your advocacy will not only sustain Global Namibia Tourism 1, but they will sustain Namibia’s future.”