Creating jobs across all 14 regions: A call for practical, community-based action
Unemployment remains one of Namibia’s most pressing socio-economic challenges, threatening livelihoods, deepening inequality, and stalling development.
While national efforts are ongoing to address the crisis, such as the expansion of internship programs in public institutions and the introduction of free education, there is an urgent need for practical, regionally grounded initiatives to absorb the growing number of job seekers, particularly in the wake of increasing graduation rates.
As a professional accountant and community development advocate, I have witnessed firsthand the disconnect between academic qualifications and actual opportunities, especially in semi-urban (towns) and rural areas. It is within this context that I reverently propose several targeted interventions that could significantly reduce unemployment and stimulate localised economic activity across all fourteen regions of Namibia.
Active Development Steering committees should be established in towns to monitor development and service delivery, and to facilitate more community, stakeholder, and government interventions.
1. Community Employment with Monthly Stipends
Government-supported, stipend-based programs can engage unemployed youth in structured community development projects, from environmental clean-ups to administrative support roles. These programs would not only provide income but foster a culture of service and ownership.
2. Empower Artisans for Constituency Development
Each constituency could establish a register of local artisans to be contracted for the construction of classrooms, health outposts, and low-income housing. A decentralised, allowance-based model would create immediate job opportunities while ensuring timely service delivery and regional equity.
3. Mechanic Employment in Government Garages
Diesel mechanics could be engaged at regional government garages to enhance the upkeep of state vehicles and reduce outsourcing costs. Such placements would not only provide employment but also improve logistical efficiency in service delivery.
4. Hire More Social Workers and Psychologists
Our communities need more mental health support. The Ministries of Health, Gender, and Education can collaborate to recruit and retain qualified social workers and psychologists, thereby extending psychosocial services to schools and underserved communities alike.
5. Mobile Nurses for Health Care
Deploying unemployed nurses as mobile health practitioners could vastly improve access to primary care in remote areas/towns. These nurses could handle basic services such as blood pressure checks, immunisations, and health education.
6. Afternoon classes by unemployed teachers
Hiring unemployed teachers on a contract basis to conduct extra classes in critical subjects or afternoon classes would serve the dual purpose of improving education outcomes and reducing graduate unemployment, especially in underserved schools or nationwide.
7 Constituency-based brickmaking projects
Industrial brickmaking units, coordinated at the constituency level, could employ community members in the production of building materials for low-cost housing. This would support affordable infrastructure and offer long-term job creation.
8. Establish a public property bank
A government-backed institution offering simplified housing loans would improve access to homeownership, particularly for young people and low- to middle-income earners. This initiative could drive growth in the housing sector and stimulate the construction industry.
9. Expand community police reservists
Increasing the recruitment of community-based police reservists could enhance local safety while creating jobs. Reservists can serve as a vital link between law enforcement and communities, fostering trust and rapid response
10. Promote regional trade and local manufacturing
Encouraging trade between regions and supporting cottage industries, such as pottery, textile manufacturing, and agricultural processing, would help retain capital within Namibia and reduce its over-reliance on imports.
11. Regional vocational training centres with specialisation
Each region should operate a specialised Vocational Training Centre (VTC) linked to the local economy. For instance, a VTC in Khorixas could offer training in tourism and mining (minerals), reflecting Kunene’s natural resources and development potential. At the same time, Zambezi VTC can expand its offerings in agriculture, as well as other courses.
12. Integrate financial and mental health education
Namibian schools must incorporate financial literacy, psychosocial education, and mental health awareness into their curricula to promote a comprehensive approach to education. Holistic education prepares children not just academically, but for life.
13. Inclusive access to land for youth
Current resettlement and communal land programs often overlook the needs of youth. By expanding access to farmland and facilitating agricultural training, we can empower a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs and reduce rural unemployment.
The way forward
The reality is apparent: unemployment cannot be solved from Windhoek alone. These proposals aim to place power and responsibility into the hands of regional leaders and community members. By investing in people, especially the youth, and tailoring programs to the unique strengths of each region, Namibia can foster an inclusive, sustainable economic recovery.
I submit these ideas for broader public discussion and consideration in the policymaking process. Let us harness our collective will to create meaningful opportunities, restore dignity, and build a more resilient Namibia for all.
Emily Khoero Job is Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare (writing in personal capacity). She writes in her personal capacity.
While national efforts are ongoing to address the crisis, such as the expansion of internship programs in public institutions and the introduction of free education, there is an urgent need for practical, regionally grounded initiatives to absorb the growing number of job seekers, particularly in the wake of increasing graduation rates.
As a professional accountant and community development advocate, I have witnessed firsthand the disconnect between academic qualifications and actual opportunities, especially in semi-urban (towns) and rural areas. It is within this context that I reverently propose several targeted interventions that could significantly reduce unemployment and stimulate localised economic activity across all fourteen regions of Namibia.
Active Development Steering committees should be established in towns to monitor development and service delivery, and to facilitate more community, stakeholder, and government interventions.
1. Community Employment with Monthly Stipends
Government-supported, stipend-based programs can engage unemployed youth in structured community development projects, from environmental clean-ups to administrative support roles. These programs would not only provide income but foster a culture of service and ownership.
2. Empower Artisans for Constituency Development
Each constituency could establish a register of local artisans to be contracted for the construction of classrooms, health outposts, and low-income housing. A decentralised, allowance-based model would create immediate job opportunities while ensuring timely service delivery and regional equity.
3. Mechanic Employment in Government Garages
Diesel mechanics could be engaged at regional government garages to enhance the upkeep of state vehicles and reduce outsourcing costs. Such placements would not only provide employment but also improve logistical efficiency in service delivery.
4. Hire More Social Workers and Psychologists
Our communities need more mental health support. The Ministries of Health, Gender, and Education can collaborate to recruit and retain qualified social workers and psychologists, thereby extending psychosocial services to schools and underserved communities alike.
5. Mobile Nurses for Health Care
Deploying unemployed nurses as mobile health practitioners could vastly improve access to primary care in remote areas/towns. These nurses could handle basic services such as blood pressure checks, immunisations, and health education.
6. Afternoon classes by unemployed teachers
Hiring unemployed teachers on a contract basis to conduct extra classes in critical subjects or afternoon classes would serve the dual purpose of improving education outcomes and reducing graduate unemployment, especially in underserved schools or nationwide.
7 Constituency-based brickmaking projects
Industrial brickmaking units, coordinated at the constituency level, could employ community members in the production of building materials for low-cost housing. This would support affordable infrastructure and offer long-term job creation.
8. Establish a public property bank
A government-backed institution offering simplified housing loans would improve access to homeownership, particularly for young people and low- to middle-income earners. This initiative could drive growth in the housing sector and stimulate the construction industry.
9. Expand community police reservists
Increasing the recruitment of community-based police reservists could enhance local safety while creating jobs. Reservists can serve as a vital link between law enforcement and communities, fostering trust and rapid response
10. Promote regional trade and local manufacturing
Encouraging trade between regions and supporting cottage industries, such as pottery, textile manufacturing, and agricultural processing, would help retain capital within Namibia and reduce its over-reliance on imports.
11. Regional vocational training centres with specialisation
Each region should operate a specialised Vocational Training Centre (VTC) linked to the local economy. For instance, a VTC in Khorixas could offer training in tourism and mining (minerals), reflecting Kunene’s natural resources and development potential. At the same time, Zambezi VTC can expand its offerings in agriculture, as well as other courses.
12. Integrate financial and mental health education
Namibian schools must incorporate financial literacy, psychosocial education, and mental health awareness into their curricula to promote a comprehensive approach to education. Holistic education prepares children not just academically, but for life.
13. Inclusive access to land for youth
Current resettlement and communal land programs often overlook the needs of youth. By expanding access to farmland and facilitating agricultural training, we can empower a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs and reduce rural unemployment.
The way forward
The reality is apparent: unemployment cannot be solved from Windhoek alone. These proposals aim to place power and responsibility into the hands of regional leaders and community members. By investing in people, especially the youth, and tailoring programs to the unique strengths of each region, Namibia can foster an inclusive, sustainable economic recovery.
I submit these ideas for broader public discussion and consideration in the policymaking process. Let us harness our collective will to create meaningful opportunities, restore dignity, and build a more resilient Namibia for all.
Emily Khoero Job is Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare (writing in personal capacity). She writes in her personal capacity.
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