First Gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah has called for stronger partnerships to help young people in Namibia turn their skills and ideas into economic opportunities. Speaking at the Russia-Africa Youth Forum, Ndaitwah acknowledged the difficulties facing young people who have qualifications but cannot find work, business ideas but lack capital, and talent without access to networks. He emphasized the need for greater cooperation between Russia and African countries to help young people access opportunities in entrepreneurship, technology, logistics, new media, and diplomacy.
The Namibia Statistics Agency's 2023 Labour Force Report puts unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 at 44.4%, compared with 36.9% nationally. Among young women, the rate was 48.2%. This highlights the challenges faced by graduates entering a labour market where a qualification does not necessarily translate into employment. Ndaitwah's remarks reflect the need for alternative solutions to address youth unemployment.
Jastina Ndahafa Uugwanga, a Namibian graduate, spent four years looking for a job before deciding to explore business opportunities. She started cross-border trading between Namibia and Angola, sourcing clothes, hair accessories, and other goods for resale in Namibia. Uugwanga's experience illustrates one of the alternatives available to young people who struggle to secure formal employment.
Uugwanga has since expanded her business and now takes other aspiring traders to Angola, teaching them how to source products and build their own businesses. Her success story demonstrates that with the right skills and knowledge, young people can create their own job opportunities. Ndaitwah called for stronger links between universities in Russia and Africa, including joint research projects addressing challenges in water, energy, health, and agriculture.
Ndaitwah also urged African countries to develop their own technological capacity, particularly in artificial intelligence. He emphasized that Africa must not only consume new tools like artificial intelligence but also design and build them. This requires investing in education and training programs that equip young people with the skills needed to compete in the global economy.
Kevin Kevanhu, a solar technician in training, highlighted the opportunities available in Namibia's renewable energy sector. He noted that the sector creates an entirely new value chain, with opportunities ranging from renewable energy installation and hydrogen production to engineering, logistics, catering, and safety management. Kevanhu emphasized the need for young people to prepare through skills development and exposure to industry.
Ndaitwah said Namibia's youthful population made it essential to ensure that young people could learn, work, create, and participate in development. With more than 71% of the population under the age of 35, according to the 2023 census, it is crucial to provide opportunities for young people to contribute to the country's growth and prosperity. The Russia-Africa Youth Forum offered young people an opportunity to build relationships and explore areas of cooperation.
Key points
- Young Namibians are being urged to explore opportunities beyond formal employment to address high youth unemployment.
- First Gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah calls for stronger partnerships to help young people turn their skills and ideas into economic opportunities.
- Namibia's renewable energy sector offers opportunities for young people in various fields, including installation, engineering, and logistics.
