By: Arminda Hepute
When I found myself at Marlborough House in London, participating in the Commonwealth Young Leaders Fellowship, the opening session of the Leadership Immersion Week for the inaugural cohorts, I had to pause for a moment and reflect on my background, my journey, and the challenges I had faced along the way.
As a young Namibian involved in youth diplomacy, I realised that it is important to use my position not only to inspire others, but also to show them that it is possible for anyone to achieve their dreams, regardless of where they come from.
My journey reminds me that our beginnings do not define our future. Sometimes, all people need is someone to show them that the possibilities are real.
Part of my growth and journey in youth development have been motivated by the book of James Clear titled “Atomic Habits” which emphasised on the 1% improvement every day.
I believe is therefore crucial in this regard to look at the importance of Namibian youth to learn self-improvement and look at the ability of an individual to use all the presented resources to achieve great influence and impactful changes to the lives of others.
Standing on the podium of the Youth Leadership Programme in Cambridge, I realised that my background no longer matters.
What matters now is what I choose to do moving forward in life and in my professional development.
Whenever I am asked, “Who would have ever thought that a young, scared Himba lady from Opuwo would one day not only participate on an international platform, but also find a way to bring what she has learned back home and contribute to its growth?”
My answer is always rooted in the principle of 1% improvement every day. Small, consistent steps have opened doors to international opportunities and made it difficult for my efforts to be ignored.
Your background may shape where you begin, but it does not have to determine how far you can go.
I feel obliged, which is my civil duty to continue telling the Namibian youth that, let us look beyond the Namibian economic setting, let us think beyond Africa as a continent. The development of our country will not be built by the people at home alone but fearless who grab opportunities with both hands.
The Namibian domestic economy has growth less than 3% in 2025 and currently Namibia is among the least growing economies in Africa. The question we should always ask ourselves is that how can we make sure that the young, energetic, and able Namibians become part of the change instead of being part of the complainants.
Are the people who made it to the next level have time to mentor young people and give good strategies and tactics on how to navigate the international development world, or is it just self-enrichment? These are some of the questions which we need to answer honestly in order to improve ourselves.
The Youth Leadership Programme in Cambridge experiences reminded me that growth begins when we are willing to engage, learn from others, and step outside our comfort
zones. The growth in this field of youth development at the international level is based on networking with the right people. I realised that the opportunities are born by opportunities.
Therefore, people can associate with those that have been recommended well and those who have proven to be effective in their works.
I encourage young Namibians, both at home and in the diaspora, to take part in youth programs, leadership initiatives, conferences, training, volunteering, and other opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Living outside Namibia does not limit our ability to learn, contribute, represent our country, or connect with other young people around the world. Sometimes, the person you meet at a programme can become your mentor, colleague, business partner or the person who inspires you to take the next step.
Show up, participate, speak, volunteer, exchange knowledge and share your ideas. Your background is your story not your ceiling. Wherever you are in the world, you have something valuable to contribute.
My fellow Namibian youth, you do not need a university degree to make it onto the international stage or to get your developmental project funded.
All you need is confidence, determination, and the willingness to compete with yourself ,not with other people.If a young Himba lady from Opuwo, who once thought the mountains of the Kunene Region were the borders of the world, can make it onto the international stage, what about you?
I am currently preparing to attend COP32, which will help shape the global agenda for climate action. I am really hoping that Namibia will participate in this important event so that we can address the climate challenges we face at home.
Arminda Hepute is a global business symposium delegate, a young leader from Opuwo with strong interest in humanitarian advocacy and international development, humanitarian affairs, and global leadership.
