Youth Unemployment Crisis Persists in Namibia’s Kunene Region
Despite a 10% decrease in youth unemployment rates since 2018, the Kunene region in Namibia still grapples with a staggering 43.2% of its young population without jobs. This figure surpasses the national average of 41.9% for youth not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), highlighting the severity of the issue in this particular region. The overall unemployment rate in Kunene stands at 36.6%, with limited economic activity, underdeveloped infrastructure, and challenges such as lack of financial support and access to funding contributing to the high numbers.
Regional leaders, including Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua, are actively seeking solutions to address the crisis. Recently, Muharukua embarked on a regional tour to engage with unemployed youth, collecting data to help them access job opportunities. Over 2,400 young people’s information was captured, with many submitting their CVs for potential job placements. The governor has also written to mines in the region, urging them to expedite their employment efforts locally and provide quality jobs that can give young people a "kick-start in life."
Companies such as the Roads Contractor Company, Zhong Mei Engineering Group, and OTESA Civil Engineering have agreed to employ local people, a step in the right direction. However, Muharukua notes that the lack of registered companies among young people hinders their ability to secure tenders, emphasizing the need to enhance entrepreneurial capacity in the region.
Tuaakoveni Mocks Kenaumue, chairperson of the Kunene Regional Youth Forum, echoes the governor’s concerns, stating that the high youth unemployment rate is not just an economic issue but a social one, threatening the long-term stability and well-being of the region’s young population. Kenaumue advocates for investment in vocational and technical training centers, youth-focused start-up incubation hubs, and access to micro-financing and mentorship programs to address the issue.
The absence of tertiary education institutions in Kunene is another significant concern, contributing to limited educational access and a skills gap. The youth forum is exploring solutions, including engaging with institutions to establish satellite campuses or distance learning centers and expanding vocational training centers.
As the region continues to grapple with the challenges of youth unemployment, it is clear that collective and practical efforts from regional and political leaders, as well as the private sector, are necessary to create meaningful opportunities for young people. By supporting young entrepreneurs, providing access to resources, and promoting quality employment, Namibia can work towards a more stable and prosperous future for its youth.
