Munyungano Musisanyani
Namibia faces the pressing challenge of high youth unemployment, which not only affects individuals and families but also has significant economic and social implications. This issue contributes to economic disparities, human capital loss, social marginalisation, crime rates, and social instability.
To address this issue, it is crucial to propose measures that can help alleviate youth unemployment in Namibia. This paper outlines some potential solutions to mitigate the problem, taking into account the country’s constitutional mandate, existing policies, and the need for targeted interventions. By implementing these measures, Namibia can strive towards creating more job opportunities for its youth population and fostering sustainable economic growth.
The youth unemployment rate in Namibia stood at 46.1% in 2018, and projections suggest persistently high rates in the coming years. This rate reflects the underutilisation of labour supply and the economy’s inability to generate employment for individuals actively seeking work. Reducing youth unemployment is vital to tapping into the potential of the younger generation and ensuring their productive participation in the country’s development.
Constitutional mandate
Namibia’s Constitution, specifically Article 95, mandates the promotion and maintenance of the welfare of its citizens. It requires the government to ensure equal opportunities, access to health and education, and just benefits for the unemployed, among other provisions. By enacting legislation aligned with this mandate, the government can actively address the issue of youth unemployment and create an enabling environment for job creation and economic empowerment.
Homegrown
Two prominent policies aimed at combating unemployment in Namibia are the Targeted Intervention Programme for Employment and Economic Growth (TIPEEG) and the Growth at Home Strategy (GHS). While TIPEEG aimed to stimulate economic sectors and generate job opportunities, the GHS focuses on industrialization and value addition. However, these policies have not yielded significant results and need further refinement and better implementation.
Solutions
The Namibian government, private sector, and other concerned stakeholders should adopt measures to reduce youth unemployment in the midst of the global economic crisis. As a result, the author advocates the following:
Agricultural Support: The government should provide support to small-scale farmers, particularly young individuals, by offering agricultural training and better access to farming inputs. This approach would increase crop yields, diversify agricultural production, and create employment opportunities in rural communities.
Economic security: National and regional efforts should focus on providing economic security for unemployed youth living in poverty. This can be achieved through targeted training programmes that equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure livelihoods and support their families.
Investment in vocational education: To address the negative perception surrounding vocational education, Namibia should invest more in vocational training programmes. By promoting the value and potential of vocational education, the country can bridge the skills gap and provide youth with viable employment opportunities.
Skills development: Namibia should develop an education system that provides learners with foundational skills and the ability to acquire specialized skills within a shorter period. This would enhance their employability and adaptability to changing labour market demands.
Entrepreneurship promotion: Promoting entrepreneurship among young individuals requires mentorship and networking opportunities. Establishing entrepreneurship incubators in collaboration with successful local businesses and small and medium enterprises can foster an entrepreneurial culture and facilitate job creation.
The Namibian government has made significant attempts to develop policies and initiatives that empower the youth and combat youth unemployment. These efforts, however, have been hampered by historical economic structural weaknesses,
poor institutional framework coordination, an educational system that does not meet labour market demands, an underdeveloped entrepreneurial framework, poor information or data ecosystems, and a lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. To combat youth unemployment, the Namibian government requires structural economic reform as well as the implementation of specific policy prescriptions.
Addressing youth unemployment in Namibia is a critical task that requires a comprehensive approach. By focusing on agricultural support, economic security, vocational education, skills development, and entrepreneurship promotion, the government, private sector, and other stakeholders can work together to create sustainable solutions and reduce youth unemployment. Implementing these measures will contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Namibia.
*Munyungano Musisanyani has a B.A (Hons) in Political Studies and Sociology from the University of Namibia. He is currently studying for a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) at the same university. He can be reached at reaganmusisanyani@gmail.com