The latest 2023 Population and Housing Census – Labour Force report has revealed that at least 34.1% of Namibia’s workforce struggles with low wages, earning less than N$2 000 per month. 

In contrast, only 3% of employed Namibians make more than N$40 000 per month, pointing to a sharp income disparity. 

The data also shows that women are slightly more likely to fall into the lowest income brackets, emphasising ongoing economic challenges the country faces. 

Additionally, the report says only 2.9% of the workforce are employed in professional, scientific and technical activities, while mining and quarrying employed a mere 2.6%. 

Local economist Gabriel Nghiinomenwa warns that the country’s reliance on expatriates in high-skills’ sectors is a sign that the local workforce is not being trained for the right jobs. 

Mismatch 

“We see Chinese companies, major mining corporations and financial institutions constantly requesting expatriates to come work in Namibia. Why? Because we are not producing enough professionals with the necessary expertise. 

 This is a direct reflection of a mismatch between our education system and industry needs,” he states. 

The mining sector is a case study of this shift. 

Nghiinomenwa says despite being one of Namibia’s largest industries, mining is capital-and technology-intensive. 

Put simply, it requires fewer workers and more specialised skills. 

“Mines are no longer hiring workers in large numbers like before. The industry is automating rapidly; machines are replacing people. If a mining company had to send workers underground to inspect cracks or fix equipment before, now they use robotic tools with AI-powered analytics. This means traditional qualifications alone are no longer enough, and workers must be trained in digital and automation technologies to remain relevant,” he says. 

The economist adds that as automation and AI become more integrated into Namibia’s extractive industries, the demand for traditional mining labour declined. 

The question is no longer just about employment numbers; it is about whether Namibians have the right skills to participate in a tech-driven mining economy. 

“If you visit vocational training institutions today, you’ll find them still teaching the same manual technical skills —boilermaking, welding and mechanical repairs. But are they incorporating AI, data analytics and automation? No. This is where we are falling behind. The industry is evolving, but our training systems are lagging,” he observes. 

Brain drain 

Dibasen Somseb, a young technician plying her trade outside Namibia, believes the country invests heavily in higher education, yet many graduates struggle to secure jobs locally, leading to an exodus of talent. 

Somseb is an engineer in Canada. 

“I didn’t want to leave, but after completing my degree, there were no serious opportunities that matched my qualifications. My salary prospects were underwhelming, and career progression was uncertain. In contrast, I was offered a well-paying job abroad with clear growth potential. What choice did I have?” he asked. His sentiment is echoed by many professionals who feel Namibia does not offer competitive salaries, professional growth, or the right conditions to keep them in the country. 

Low wages 

Nghiinomenwa, supporting Somseb’s sentiment, adds that the job market faces a serious wage crisis. 

While there is frequent talk about employment-creation, he warns that many of the jobs being created are not sustainable for the average Namibian worker. 

“The quality of jobs which are being created in our economy cannot be measured by the gross number of new jobs alone. You can create 50 jobs a month, but if those jobs pay next to nothing, they are useless. Most Namibians earn N$10 000 or less, yet the cost of living keeps rising. 

Look at the cost of transport, rent and food. Can someone survive on N$10 000 a month? No. This is why we have so many informal settlements and high levels of inequality. People are working, but they are not truly living,” he reasons. 

The labour report indicates that the second-largest employer is wholesale and retail, followed by agriculture, which Nghiinomenwa says typically offers low wages. 

“Many of these jobs pay between N$2 000 and N$3 000, particularly in supermarkets and retail chains. What kind of life can you afford with that? When we talk about economic growth, we must also talk about quality job-creation. If we train our people properly and align education with industry needs, we should be fostering industries that pay well. But that is not what is happening,” he adds. 

Inequality 

Recent statistics from the World Bank show that Namibia is considered one of the most unequal countries in the world, ranking second only to South Africa, with a significant disparity in wealth distribution, where a small portion of the population enjoys a high standard of living while a large group faces multi-dimensional poverty and limited access to basic services. 

Attempts to get a reaction from the labour ministry have proven futile as minister Utoni Nujoma’s phone rang unanswered.