
Nascam and Unesco have launched a two-year partnership, investing N$1.7 million into research, copyright reform, and digital innovation within Namibia's music industry. This initiative aims to strengthen the sector, supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Key components include the first nationwide mapping of Namibia's music industry across all 14 regions, which will produce a national music sector mapping report and a five-year strategic roadmap. The project will also develop NamMusic Hub, an online platform for creators to register, access copyright information, and improve transparency in rights administration. Regional copyright education workshops, entrepreneurship training, and awareness campaigns are planned, alongside a national policy dialogue to support reforms to Namibia's copyright framework. Acting Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music Nascam chief executive Ferdinand Gertze stated the project is a significant step in strengthening copyright administration, ensuring Namibian music creators receive recognition and fair remuneration. Project manager Leake Ileka highlighted that the initiative will address longstanding gaps in industry data and prioritize young creators, women, and artists outside major urban centers. Field research and stakeholder engagement will begin immediately, followed by regional workshops and the
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Chinese investors to focus on value addition within Namibia, rather than solely extracting natural resources. Speaking at the Namibia-China Business Forum in Beijing, President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that Namibia will prioritize projects that create jobs and industrialize its economy. She stated that the country seeks partnerships for establishing processing plants, manufacturing industries, and technology transfer, moving away from the export of raw materials. The President highlighted that despite Namibia's mineral wealth, unemployment and poverty persist, making local beneficiation a government priority. She invited Chinese companies to invest in processing facilities, industrial ecosystems, and component manufacturing, aiming for Namibia to export value-added products. Opportunities were also noted in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, digital infrastructure, health, and skills development, positioning Namibia as a gateway to regional markets. President Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged Namibian businesses to leverage China's zero-tariff access for African exports by increasing production and meeting international standards, inviting Chinese investors to manufacture, process, and innovate in Namibia for long-term partnerships.

Four leading Namibian corporate organizations have partnered to launch Corporate Social Investment CSI Mukopano, the country's first social investment partnership. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration among businesses and development partners involved in community development projects. The inaugural CSI Mukopano event, organized by MTC Namibia in partnership with the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, FNB Namibia, and the Capricorn Foundation, will be held in Windhoek on August 11. The event seeks to provide a platform for companies, policymakers, development partners, educators, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and identify opportunities for more coordinated social investment initiatives. The word 'Mukopano', meaning 'gathering' in Silozi, reflects the event's objective of bringing together stakeholders in social development. MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo emphasized businesses' responsibility to contribute to Namibia's development through partnerships and knowledge sharing. Capricorn Foundation executive director Marlize Horn noted that social investment yields better outcomes through collaboration. FirstRand Namibia sponsorship and social impact manager Revonia Job believes the platform can reduce duplication of social investment initiatives, while Allan Gray Orbis Foundation project and compliance manager Immanuel Shilongo highlighted collaboration as key to addressing complex challenges. The organizers intend for CSI Mukopano to become an annual event.

Former Namibian Olympian cyclist Dan Craven, founder of Onguza Bicycles, recently launched Africa's first 32-inch bicycle in Windhoek. This new oversize wheel standard is emerging in the mountain bike and gravel cycling markets, and Craven believes it is the future for Namibia, offering a smoother ride on rough terrain. The bicycle was developed in collaboration with King Price Insurance. Craven highlighted the craftsmanship of master builders Sakeus Mufenge, Petrus Mufenge, and Sackaria Nkolo, who hand-build Onguza's bicycles using traditional methods. Onguza Bicycles, established four years ago in Omaruru, recently received international recognition, winning the best bicycle award at the Monocle Magazine Design Awards for their custom-built 'Bliksem' model. The company has expanded its reach, with bicycle shops in London, New York, and Amsterdam, and customers in various global cities, demonstrating that products handcrafted in Namibia can achieve international demand.