Erongo Governor says it’s time to rethink Corporate Social Responsibility

Erongo Governor Nathalia //Goagoses has challenged companies and policymakers to look beyond superficial corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Speaking at a stakeholder workshop in Swakopmund, she urged industry leaders to commit to long-term, community-building investments rather than symbolic gestures.

Despite Erongo’s significant contribution to Namibia’s GDP through mining and fishing, Governor //Goagoses highlighted that many residents remain entrenched in poverty. She called for CSR programs that foster real social impact—housing, job creation, youth skills training—instead of one-off food parcels or token donations.

“Resource wealth must translate into human upliftment,” she emphasized, noting that youth unemployment sits at 32% in the region. She also urged transparent governance practices and inclusive community consultations across all parts of Erongo, not just urban centres like Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Governor //Goagoses promised to hold herself accountable and called on businesses to align with sustainable development strategies that yield measurable benefits for local communities.