Monika Amunyela
High youth unemployment, lack of digital infrastructure and economic insecurity continue to undermine active youth participation in civic processes.
These were the sentiments shared by the youth from different spheres of the country who had gathered on Friday for the launch of YouthQuake 2025.
The programme is designed to promote civic participation among the young Namibians.
The event, hosted under the theme ‘Access to Information: Igniting Youth Power’, brought together civil society, media professionals, policymakers and youth leaders in a space focused on youth empowerment.
Activists and thought leaders like Zoé Titus, executive director of the NMT Media Foundation, spoke about the structural barriers holding youth back.
“Young people are truly engaging politically, but systemic inequality, lack of opportunities and tokenism continue to restrict their full participation. Democracy flourishes when young people can organise, work together with integrity and have a real say in the decisions that shape their lives,” she said.
Titus emphasised that young Namibians are already engaging, casting ballots, creating alternatives and demanding accountability.
Speakers did not shy away from harsh truths.
Drawing on Namibia’s liberation history, veteran journalist and founder of The Namibian newspaper Gwen Lister urged youth to carry forward the spirit of resistance that past generations demonstrated.
“The struggles will not be the same this time. Let’s fight against digital inequality, exclusion and the erosion of democratic spaces. We fought for access to information back then – now you must fight to keep it,” said the veteran scribe.
She called on the youth to reject superficiality and embrace substance, echoing the YouthQuake slogan, ‘I am unstoppable when I am informed’.
Breakaway sessions like health intelligence, led by Selma Iyambo, the founder of Sextalks Podcast Namibia, empowered youth with tools to navigate Namibia’s health system.
Participants learned how to access youth-friendly services such as the BeFree Clinic.
“Health is power, and it starts with knowing where to go, what to ask and how to protect yourself,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of understanding their rights against gender-based violence and taking control of their sexual and mental health.
Research unveiled at the event showed that Namibia’s youth show up and remain politically engaged but face real limitations.
A significant portion of youth still feel excluded from decision-making spaces despite their willingness to be involved.