University of Namibia

The current persisting global economic turmoil, largely driven by weak aggregate demand in developed economies and collapsing commodity value chains, and exacerbated by mounting fiscal and current account imbalances, is causing irreparable damage to developing economies, particularly in Africa. In this regard our motherland is no exemption. For Namibia, these implications manifest in weak business activities & prospects, decreasing FDI flows, growing unemployment coupled with rising household debt levels, inflationary pressure, an increasingly frustrated and homeless middle-class, and entrenched economic exclusion of the majority. Allowed to fester for uninterrupted period of time, these conditions could destroy the socio-economic aspirations of the nation. This public lectures explores key global, regional and domestic economic trends with the view to demonstrate how they impact Namibian ordinary lives and commercial activities. We will then provide a selection of key strategies (at household & business levels) and policy interventions (at Government level necessary to counter / deal with disruptions).

Qualifications: Master of Science in Financial Economics (MSc in Fin. Econ) - University of London, United Kingdom (1998), Postgraduate Diploma in Economic Principles from the same University (1995), Diploma in Foreign Trade and Management - Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands (1994), Honours in Economics from the University of Western Cape, South Africa (1993), Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Accounting from the same University (1992), specialised training in Management Development Program from University of Stellenbosch (2000) and Wits Business School, South Africa (2001). Other specialised training in economics and finance in Tanzania and USA, as well as at the Bank of England and Reserve Bank of South Africa.

Career and Experience: His wealth of knowledge and experience in central banking span from an impressive record of technical and managerial engagement at the Bank of Namibia since 1995. His career started as a Junior Researcher at the Namibia Economic Policy Research Unit (NEPRU) in 1994. He joined the Bank of Namibia as a Senior Researcher at the Research Department and became a Manager of the Economics Division in the same department in 1997. In 1999, he became Manager of the Modelling and Forecasting Division in the Research Department. In 2000, he took over as Manager of Statistics Division in the Research Department. In 2001, he became the Deputy Head of Research Department and in 2002 he became Chief Economist and Head of Research Department. In June 2006, Shiimi became a Senior Manager in the Banking Supervision Department. He served in this position until he was appointed as Assistant Governor in November 2006. He occupied this position until March 2010 when he was appointed as Governor of the Bank. During his working career, Shiimi participated in various research projects and co-authored various publications as well as served on various Boards and Committees.

For enquiries: Kashiwanwa Neshila-Immanuel, kimmanuel@unam.na, (061) 206 3575/3262