Every generation is presented with defining moments and opportunities that have the power to shape a nation’s future for decades to come. For Namibia, that moment has arrived.

The recent discoveries of oil and gas off our coastline, our vast uranium reserves, and the growing investment in green hydrogen projects have placed Namibia firmly on the global map. Investors are knocking on our doors, government officials are speaking confidently about economic growth, and many are hopeful that a new era of prosperity is within reach.

Yet amid all the excitement, there is one question we cannot afford to ignore: Will ordinary Namibians truly benefit from this wealth?

Natural resources alone do not guarantee prosperity. Around the world, there are countries blessed with immense natural wealth, yet many of their citizens continue to live in poverty. History has repeatedly shown that when resources are poorly managed, the profits often leave the country while local communities are left behind.

Namibia must ensure that it does not follow the same path.

Across the country, thousands of young people graduate from universities and vocational training centres every year, eager to contribute to the economy. Too many of them, however, struggle to find meaningful employment. Families are feeling the pressure of rising living costs, and informal settlements continue to grow as many citizens search for better opportunities.

At the same time, we are told that billions of dollars are being invested in our future. The concern is not whether wealth will be created it certainly will be. The real concern is who will benefit from it. Will it improve the lives of ordinary Namibians, or will it primarily enrich foreign investors, a small group of elites, and those with political connections?

There are already warning signs that deserve our attention.

Many of the highly skilled positions in these emerging industries are being filled by foreign specialists because Namibia has not yet developed enough local expertise in these fields. Small and medium-sized Namibian businesses often struggle to compete with large international companies for contracts. In many cases, communities directly affected by development projects feel excluded from decisions that will have a lasting impact on their lives.

This is not a call to reject foreign investment. On the contrary, Namibia needs investment to grow and create opportunities. But investment must be accompanied by fairness and accountability.

If international companies stand to make substantial profits from Namibia’s resources, then Namibians have every right to expect meaningful benefits in return. That means creating jobs for local people, investing in skills development, supporting local businesses, protecting the environment, and ensuring that communities share the benefits of development.

We should not become spectators while others profit from the resources that belong to all of us.

Government leaders frequently speak about local content and economic empowerment. Those commitments must now be backed by action. Citizens deserve clear answers. How many Namibians will be employed? How many local companies will secure contracts? How much revenue will be invested in schools, hospitals, housing, roads, and other essential services?

These are not political questions. They are practical questions about our future.

Perhaps the greatest threat facing Namibia is not a shortage of resources, but a shortage of vigilance. Economic transformation does not happen automatically. It requires careful planning, strong leadership, transparency, and active citizen participation.

The decisions being made today will shape the Namibia that future generations inherit.

Decades from now, our children and grandchildren will look back on this period and judge whether we used this opportunity wisely. They will ask whether we built industries that empowered Namibians, created sustainable jobs, and strengthened our economy or whether we allowed our natural wealth to benefit others more than ourselves.

The oil, gas, uranium, and green hydrogen resources found beneath our land and seas are part of Namibia’s national inheritance. They belong to the people of this country.

The benefits should belong to them too. Anything less would be a missed opportunity of historic proportions.

 *Marcell Van Wyk holds an Honours degree in Public Management from the University of Namibia.