The Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) has called for coordinated action from the government, private sector, and civil society in response to alarming unemployment figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
According to the latest NSA report, Namibia’s national unemployment rate stands at 36.9%, with youth unemployment reaching a staggering 44.4%. This marks an increase from the 33.4% recorded in 2018, underscoring the deepening crisis in the country’s labour market.
The total labour force is estimated at 867,247 people, of whom 320,442 are unemployed. The employment-to-population ratio currently stands at just 29.1%.
EAN Chief Executive Officer Cons Karamata warned that the persistent rise in unemployment, particularly among the youth, threatens both economic growth and social stability. “These statistics highlight the severity of Namibia’s unemployment crisis and underscore the urgent need for decisive action,” he said.
Karamata emphasised that addressing the crisis requires a multi-pronged strategy combining immediate interventions with long-term economic reforms.
“Strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is critical. We must enhance access to finance, reduce regulatory constraints and provide targeted mentorship and training to drive job creation,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of investing in skills development. “We need to align education and workforce training with market demands, particularly in high-growth sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture and information technology.”
He further called for economic diversification to reduce reliance on a few key industries. “
Fostering growth in emerging sectors such as agro-processing, energy, and manufacturing will create sustainable employment opportunities,” Karamata noted.
He added that targeted youth employment programs should be created to provide temporary jobs, internships, and apprenticeships while incentivizing private sector participation in youth hiring.
Improving the business environment is another essential step. We need regulatory reforms that attract investment, stimulate economic activity, and generate sustainable employment opportunities,” he said.
The NSA report further revealed stark disparities in unemployment rates across different demographics. Rural unemployment was recorded at 38.0%, slightly higher than the 36.4% in urban areas.
The male unemployment rate stood at 34.6%, while female unemployment was significantly higher at 39.6%.
Additionally, the male employment-to-population ratio was reported at 33.4%, compared to 25.2% for females. Notably, over 666,944 Namibians are classified as not actively seeking employment, further exacerbating concerns over economic participation rates.
Karamata urged all stakeholders to collaborate in implementing effective policies to curb unemployment.
“Namibia’s potential is vast, but unlocking it requires urgent and collective action,” he said. “The EAN stands ready to support these efforts through research, policy recommendations, and strategic partnerships.”
