WINDHOEK: President Hifikepunye Pohamba says the just-concluded first-ever Swapo Party National Policy Conference will provide renewed momentum for the ruling party to carry out its mandate of nation-building and economic development.

Pohamba made this statement during the closing ceremony of the conference in the capital on Thursday.

“I have no doubt that the full outcome of this conference will go a long way in facilitating the work of the upcoming fifth Swapo Party congress with regards to discussions on the technical aspects of the policy positions that were covered during this conference,” the president noted.

He said recommendations made on burning issues such as unemployment, poverty, economic growth, youth development, income distribution, education and the delivery of quality healthcare services will challenge delegates to the congress to think innovatively in order to come up with appropriate and effective solutions.

Pohamba said members of the Swapo Party should also take pride in the fact that they have successfully hosted their first-ever National Policy Conference.

The Swapo leader said he was content that party cadres have used the opportunity presented by the conference to discuss and critique policy positions, with a view to make improvements so that these policies can respond effectively to developmental challenges.

“The full report on the outcome of this conference will be prepared in due course, and it will be presented at the upcoming Fifth Swapo Party Congress, to be held towards the end of the year,” Pohamba said.

The official closing ceremony of the four-day policy conference was attended by icons of the liberation struggle such as the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Victor Ndadi and Mzee Kaukungwa.