RUNDU – The unemployment rate in the Kavango East Region has increased from 48% in 2011 to 52% in 2023. 

This is according to data released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) from the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

NSA Census and demographic statistics senior statistician Tommy Harris said 48% of the population in Kavango East is currently employed while 52% remain unemployed.

He made these statements during the official launch of the 2023 Census Regional Profiles in Rundu on Tuesday.

Youth unemployment in the region remains particularly high, with only 39.6% of young people employed and 60.4% unemployment.

Breaking down the statistics by constituency, Harris said Ndiyona constituency has the highest unemployment rate in the region at 65.2%, followed by the Rundu Rural and Mukwe constituencies.

Ndiyona also leads in youth unemployment, recording a rate of 73%, followed closely by Mukwe at 72% and Rundu Rural at 71%.

In terms of employment sectors, Harris noted that the majority of employed individuals in the region are engaged in elementary occupations, such as domestic work, which accounts for around 90%.

This is followed by employment in professional services and sales, with most of the workforce concentrated in the education, agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors.

Regional Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka, also speaking at the event, highlighted that Kavango East is now home to 218 421 people.

He emphasised the importance of the data, saying it will guide better planning, resource allocation and progress tracking.

“This is not just a milestone but a call to action. I urge all our regional stakeholders, including government offices, local authorities, civil society organisations, private sector institutions and our communities to take ownership of this information,” he said. 

– Nampa