Daniel Tjongarero : driver of motorsport development in Namibia

Daniel Tjongarero is a key figure in motorsport in Namibia. As president of the Namibia Motorsport Federation, he plays a central role in developing the sport in Southern Africa. A lawyer by profession, Daniel is first and foremost a motorsport enthusiast. From a young age, he was drawn to the discipline, quickly embracing it both as a competitor and as an organizer.

An early passion for Motorsport

« My name is Daniel, and I am the president of the Namibia Motorsport Federation. By profession, I am a lawyer, but my true passion has always been motorsport, especially as a competitor. I’ve always loved cars and the world of motorsport. This passion led me to start a motor club at home, » Daniel enthusiastically recalls.

Originally from Namibia, he grew up in a country where opportunities to practice motorsports were limited, but this did not stop him from pursuing this path. From a young age, he seized the opportunity to create a club and participate in competitions. This initiative marked the beginning of a career dedicated to the growth of motorsport in Namibia. « I founded the motor club in Namibia, and it allowed me to attract some members and participate in competitions, » he remembers.

The path to the Presidency of the Motorsport Federation

Building on his experience in the motor club, Daniel gradually rose through the ranks of the federation. His commitment was noticed, and he was elected president of the Namibia Motorsport Federation in 2016. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to develop the discipline both nationally and internationally. « Thanks to my position in the motor club, I was elected to the board of the Federation. This allowed me to be elected president of the federation in 2016, and I’ve held this position ever since, » Daniel explains with a modesty that hides the determination of his journey.

Developing Motorsport in Namibia: A strategic challenge

When discussing his presence at the General Assembly of the International Automobile Federation, Daniel emphasizes the importance of these meetings for the future of the sport in Namibia. « We are here for the General Assembly of the International Federation. It’s an essential moment to discuss the challenges of the sport, development projects, and the needs of our federations. It’s a space where we can share our experiences, but also ask questions and make our voices heard. For us, it’s also an opportunity to discuss funding, budgets, and our projects, » he says.

Beyond the administrative and financial aspects, Daniel also highlights the importance of direct exchanges, often more fruitful than discussions via email or phone. « The General Assembly allows face-to-face interaction, and this is crucial because it helps convey our concerns and strengthen our relationships with other countries, » he adds.

We Want to Nurture Young Talents, Identify Them, Train Them, and Provide a Framework for Their Growth

One of Daniel’s main objectives and that of the Namibia Motorsport Federation is to nurture young talents. « Our goals are primarily local because we want to nurture young talents, identify them, train them, and provide a framework for their growth. We have development programs in place for this, » Daniel explains. This approach aims to train not only drivers but also officials and everyone involved in the functioning of the discipline.

Although Namibia is a relatively small country with a population of only three million people, it manages to offer a wide range of motorsport-related disciplines. « We offer about nine categories of competitions, ranging from motocross to enduro, karting, drag racing, gymkhana, circuit racing, drifting, etc. This allows us to offer options to everyone, » Daniel emphasizes.

The major challenge Is to create accessible conditions, especially for children who do not have the means to purchase expensive equipment

Like in many African countries, funding remains one of the main challenges for the development of motorsport in Namibia. « Motorsport is expensive, and this remains a barrier for many young people who dream of participating. We are trying to make the sport more accessible by working with sponsors to create opportunities, » he explains. Much of these efforts focus on attracting private partners who can support the federation and its programs while creating a business dynamic around the sport.

Daniel also discusses the need to improve infrastructure and access conditions for these sports. « The major challenge is to create accessible conditions, especially for children who do not have the means to purchase expensive equipment. We’ve set up initiatives to help them participate by subsidizing cards and forming partnerships with companies, » he says.

Sport creates jobs, stimulates the local economy, and can also have an impact on the personal development of young people

According to Daniel, sport has significant potential, not only socially but also economically. « Sport creates jobs, stimulates the local economy, and can also have an impact on the personal development of young people, teaching them values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, » he asserts. However, he acknowledges that resources are limited and the road remains challenging.

In this context, the role of businesses is crucial. « We seek to collaborate with local and international companies to strengthen the funding of the sport. This allows for the development of long-term projects and gives young people the chance to pursue promising careers, » Daniel explains.

The potential Is huge, but it takes time and perseverance to overcome the obstacles

Despite the many challenges, Daniel remains optimistic about the future of motorsport in Namibia and Africa. « The potential is huge, but it takes time and perseverance to overcome the obstacles. We must continue to work on accessibility, funding, and talent development. And with the support of our partners, I am convinced that we will succeed in making motorsport an even more popular and respected sport in Namibia and Africa, » he concludes.