Over 11 000 youths scramble for National Youth Service intake
Although the National Youth Service saw record applications this year, about 4 000 past graduates remain unemployed.
A record 11 663 Namibian youth applied for the 2025 intake of the National Youth Service (NYS), but just 1 068 recruits were accepted due to budget constraints.
While government has pledged increased funding and expansion of the programme, about 4 000 of the total 7 153 past NYS graduates remain unemployed.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi acknowledged the backlog during the official opening of the Henties Bay training intake on Monday.
“Despite these efforts, it is important to acknowledge that approximately 4 000 National Youth Service graduates remain unemployed,” she said.
“The service is currently facilitating its database for submission to government for consideration as employment opportunities arise.”
Nationwide interest
This year’s intake – the largest in NYS history – includes 705 youth training at Henties Bay and the remainder at Rietfontein training centre. The number of recruits has grown steadily from 350 in 2023 to 750 in 2024 and 1 068 this year.
Deputy education and youth minister Dino Ballotti said the government’s target for 2026 is a minimum of 1 500 recruits.
“We remain mindful of the challenges that persist,” he said. “We will endeavour to increase funding for the National Youth Service and ensure full utilisation of both training centres.”
The more than 11 000 applications were received from all 121 constituencies.
“Regrettably, the service was only able to enlist 1 068 youth this year,” Witbooi said, adding that government aims to expand future intakes in line with its national development goals.
Emerging workforce
A N$257 million National Youth Fund has been earmarked for the 2025/2026 financial year to support youth-led enterprises, start-ups and internship programmes. NYS has also extended its training period from six to seven months and introduced a compulsory volunteer service component.
Structural reforms are underway to introduce a formal rank system aimed at reinforcing discipline and command structure. These changes follow regional models in countries like Kenya and Zambia and have been endorsed by service chiefs.
The programme continues to receive operational support from the Namibian Defence Force, police and correctional services, while guest instructors from Zambia are currently assisting in the delivery of this year’s training.
Witbooi emphasised that although NYS does not guarantee employment, it must position its graduates to benefit from broader economic opportunities.
“These young men and women form a critical part of our emerging skilled workforce,” she said.
The National Youth Service, established under the National Youth Service Act, aims to equip young Namibians with practical skills, discipline and a strong sense of civic duty through structured training, voluntary service and leadership development.
While government has pledged increased funding and expansion of the programme, about 4 000 of the total 7 153 past NYS graduates remain unemployed.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi acknowledged the backlog during the official opening of the Henties Bay training intake on Monday.
“Despite these efforts, it is important to acknowledge that approximately 4 000 National Youth Service graduates remain unemployed,” she said.
“The service is currently facilitating its database for submission to government for consideration as employment opportunities arise.”
Nationwide interest
This year’s intake – the largest in NYS history – includes 705 youth training at Henties Bay and the remainder at Rietfontein training centre. The number of recruits has grown steadily from 350 in 2023 to 750 in 2024 and 1 068 this year.
Deputy education and youth minister Dino Ballotti said the government’s target for 2026 is a minimum of 1 500 recruits.
“We remain mindful of the challenges that persist,” he said. “We will endeavour to increase funding for the National Youth Service and ensure full utilisation of both training centres.”
The more than 11 000 applications were received from all 121 constituencies.
“Regrettably, the service was only able to enlist 1 068 youth this year,” Witbooi said, adding that government aims to expand future intakes in line with its national development goals.
Emerging workforce
A N$257 million National Youth Fund has been earmarked for the 2025/2026 financial year to support youth-led enterprises, start-ups and internship programmes. NYS has also extended its training period from six to seven months and introduced a compulsory volunteer service component.
Structural reforms are underway to introduce a formal rank system aimed at reinforcing discipline and command structure. These changes follow regional models in countries like Kenya and Zambia and have been endorsed by service chiefs.
The programme continues to receive operational support from the Namibian Defence Force, police and correctional services, while guest instructors from Zambia are currently assisting in the delivery of this year’s training.
Witbooi emphasised that although NYS does not guarantee employment, it must position its graduates to benefit from broader economic opportunities.
“These young men and women form a critical part of our emerging skilled workforce,” she said.
The National Youth Service, established under the National Youth Service Act, aims to equip young Namibians with practical skills, discipline and a strong sense of civic duty through structured training, voluntary service and leadership development.
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