Ilona Nkandi: Driving Namibia’s industrial policy forward

Ilona Nkandi has dedicated 14 years to working in government, rising to become a renowned policy specialist in the directorate of industrial development at the industries, mines and energy ministry.

She joined the ministry as a chief economist, focusing on project evaluation, policy development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She now oversees national industrial strategies aligned with Vision 2030.

Nkandi said her years in public service have prepared her for leadership.

“I have served the ministry for 14 years, progressively advancing into leadership roles that shape Namibia’s industrial development agenda,” she said.

Her academic background is strong and diverse.

She holds a bachelor's degree in economics, a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in economics (in international finance) as well as a management development programme certificate, along with several technical certifications. These qualifications gave her expertise in policy, trade, financial management, risk modelling, and deal structuring.

Nkandi said resilience and consistency are essential in policy development work.

She noted that regional exposure and training helped her grow both technically and managerially.

“My growth has been shaped by exposure to regional industrial configurations which Namibia is aligned to, e.g., SACU/SADC/AfCFTA/EFTA/EPAs; trade negotiations, industrial policy seminars and workshops; SME development programmes; and other technical trainings," she said.

Beyond her role at the ministry, Nkandi lectures part-time at the Namibia Business School and serves on advisory boards for postgraduate programmes in logistics, supply chain and business management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Never stop learning

She encouraged young people to invest in education, gain practical experience, build strong professional networks and remain resilient.

She also encouraged young people to pursue careers that align with a sense of purpose and contribute to broader societal development.

“Too often, young people chase careers without asking themselves what impact they want to leave behind," she said.

"My advice is simple: align your career with a purpose that contributes to broader societal impact. The world is changing faster than ever, and knowledge is the one resource that multiplies the more you invest in it. Learn as much as you can, from books, from mentors, from experiences."