Addressing Youth Unemployment in Namibia: A Call for Collaboration and Innovation
The recent SanlamAllianz Brief Session brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders to tackle one of the most pressing socio-economic issues facing Namibia: youth unemployment. The event, held in partnership with The Brief, provided a platform for open dialogue on the underlying causes, social and psychological impacts, and potential solutions to support the country’s young population.
According to NSA Statistician-General Alex Shimuafeni, 71.1% of Namibia’s population is under the age of 35, with approximately one million individuals aged 15 to 34 years. He highlighted that 44% of this group is unemployed, a figure that rises to over 50% when including discouraged job seekers. This data underscores the urgency of addressing youth unemployment, as it poses significant challenges to both economic and social development.
Shimuafeni emphasized the need for internal job creation, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, and a stronger focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to equip young people for the evolving job market. He also pointed out that Namibia’s reliance on imports hampers local job creation, calling for greater promotion of local production and expanded employment opportunities.
From an economic perspective, Simonis Storm Economist Almandro Jansen described the high youth unemployment rate, which exceeds 60%, as a “ticking time bomb.” He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to identify the skills needed in the economy and align training programs accordingly. Jansen also called for increased support for small businesses, tax reforms to stimulate job creation, and the implementation of existing employment policies that have yet to be fully acted upon.
Social and Psychological Impacts of Unemployment
The discussion also delved into the social and psychological effects of unemployment. Psychology student Tamia Diergaardt shared insights on how joblessness impacts mental wellbeing, noting that it often leads to low self-esteem, loss of identity, and family tension. She urged for a greater focus on the mental well-being of young people when developing strategies to address unemployment.
From an educational standpoint, Media student Quinteline Nunuhe called for reform in the education system to better align with economic realities. She advocated for a shift from theory-based learning to practical, skills-oriented education that prepares young people for employment early on. Nunuhe also suggested integrating Artificial Intelligence, digital literacy, and creative fields into the curriculum to provide students with job-ready experience before completing their studies.
A National Development Priority
The session, attended by more than 50 delegates and viewed by over 964 people via live stream on Facebook, highlighted that youth unemployment is not just an economic issue but a national development priority. It underscored the need for a unified approach involving government, business, and society to address the crisis effectively.
The event concluded with a strong call for action, collaboration, and innovation, reaffirming the shared responsibility of all sectors in tackling youth unemployment. “Namibia’s economic future lies in the hands of its youth,” the session concluded. “Through open dialogue, collaboration, and bold action, we can create pathways for young people to contribute to and benefit from sustainable national growth.”
SanlamAllianz reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Namibia’s youth and announced plans to continue hosting sessions that inspire dialogue, promote partnership, and drive meaningful action.
The next SanlamAllianz Brief Session is scheduled for 20 November.