Namibia's job crisis

The high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth, has for a long time been an issue of grave concern. The job crisis in our country has indeed deepened, with the labour ministry this week saying over 1 000 jobs have been lost in just three months. Many young graduates have joined the long queues of thousands of Namibians who are seeking employment in the public and private sector. The problems of our economy are deep-seated and the current economic outlook is indicative of the irresponsible and sustainable manner in which the economy has been managed over the years. Government cuts are now sweeping through all economic sectors and this has threatened thousands of jobs. Critical areas such as education, healthcare and sport have all been scaled back and there doesn't seem to be much hope on the horizon yet. Experts believe that the tough times will only be over by 2019. This stagnant growth of the Namibian economy also impacts heavily on all efforts by government to help alleviate poverty and the high levels of inequality still prevalent in our society. Reducing poverty and promoting broad-based growth while maintaining macro-economic stability remains a challenge for Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein and his team at the Fiscus building. Obviously job creation is not only the role of government, but the private sector plays a leading role and must also be at the forefront of driving solutions to the high unemployment rate. The construction sector, which has been the main private sector driver of the economy, is equally bleeding, with job losses amounting to plus, minus 10 000 feared. In its latest figures, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), noted that close to 350 000 Namibians out of an estimated labour force of 1.5 million are without jobs, resulting in a very high unemployment rate of 34%. Clearly these statistics pose a threat to the country's fragile political order and remains a ticking time bomb. We have enormous opportunities in this country and equally there is a need for us to support small businesses and social enterprises to spur job creation and much needed economic growth.

Namibia's job crisis

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-25

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Namibia's job crisis

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-25

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