In this article we explore the challenges posed by the high youth unemployment rate for Namibian youth. We’ll also discuss potential solutions and examine how Namibian youth perceive and respond to this pressing issue.
As it is, Namibian youth already face many challenges daily, such as the unfamiliarity of transitioning into adulthood, bullying, social media mental health impacts, racism and tribalism, discrimination of other forms, and stressful events such as poor academic performance.
The cost of living in Namibia has undeniably risen in recent years. For students to makeup for increasing costs of accommodation, transport, groceries and other basic necessities, they’re often forced to find ways to make ends meat while they simultaneously pursue tertiary education.
Although a significant amount of young people pursue the entrepreneurial route legally, often times there are illegal schemes the youth finds themselves in to combat financial constraints and other personal challenges.
Moreover, a fair bit of young people use “grooving” as an outlet to deal with their challenges.
The elders perceive these things as the youth being out of hand, but it is often a cry for help.
Questioning the Relevancy of a Tertiary Education
Not only is the transition from secondary to tertiary education an unspoken struggle, but so is the demotivation of going to tertiary institutions for a degree that will not guarantee a job in Namibia.
“What value does university bring to this country if so many graduates are on the streets? What value does it bring if we can’t find jobs after completing our studies?” Uakasuva Black, a 2nd-year Microbiology student asked.
Black further remarked, “The unemployment rate in Namibia is so high. There are only jobs for the big degrees: medicine and engineering. But if you are not academically gifted for such degrees then you have little to no chance at getting a job after the completion of your degree.”
Black continued to point out that trying to perform in university is hard when there is a lack of motivation to do so. “We used to think university is the only way to a job and to make money but that has changed,” Black stated.
The Namibian newspaper posted a snippet of article headlines to be published on the 3rd of May 2024, which caused backlash and consequently resulted in the creation of memes and concerns being brought up by the public over the challenging job market.
In another article published by The Namibian in April 2023, titled Ticking Time Bomb, the article read as follows:
“Labour analyst Sydwill Scholtz estimates that Namibian higher education institutions are producing more graduates than the current market can accommodate, particularly in areas of specialisation, may already be saturated.”
However, It cannot be denied that choosing to pursue a tertiary education in Namibia has the potential to add value to the country. More educated Namibians can result in fewer foreigners employed within the country.
“Getting a degree means you are guaranteed to get a job, it might not be in Namibia, but also outside Namibia,” a NUST 2nd-year HR student pointed out.
Youth in Business
The rate of youth unemployment globally remained at around 38.41% in 2023.
Given the scarce job market youth are left with little choice but to take matters into their own hands and pursue business ventures to support themselves, their education, and their families.
This, especially in recent years has catapulted the rise in the formation of more youth vendors and youth-led businesses.
The common ventures being nail parlors, hairstylists, cleaning services, tutoring, babysitting, online clothing & household items retail, and freelancing.
This rise is also influenced by the dwindling faith of some individuals on the need of a tertiary education to optain financial security.
Youth Speak on How they’re tackling Unemployment through Entrepreneurship
• Benji. Inc. a clothing brand owned by Tyrese Moonga, a 2nd-year Business Administration student. He established the brand when he was 18 years-old, with the help of a silent partner, because he has always had a liking towards business,
Moonga said that his brand helps him acquire funding for his basic daily expenses.
• Conrad Mbaimbai established his tutoring business called “Nashi, Iris, Conrad” (NIC) with 2 other friends tutoring secondary and tertiary education students in science, economics, and business management.
He is also an established writer. The proceedings he gets help fund his studies and daily needs.
• Fiina Ingo established her nail business polishedbyNdina to be able to cover her needs as a 2nd-year Chemistry student.
“the money I make enables me to buy food for my hostel room,” Ingo stated.
• Zani’s Beautyhaven is a makeup and lash installation business owned by 21 year-old Zanelle Handjengo who is a full-time student at NUST. This establishment has benefited Handjengo not only by providing her money but also through assisting her in gaining experience in the beauty industry and business management space.
Handjengo has always wanted to own a business and seeing that she enjoyed making people look beautiful, she decided to venture into it as a business.
To tackle the youth unemployment in Namibia internship opportunities need to be created across a variety of sectors, for young people to gain work experience and enhance their employability.
Additionally, enforcing the age retirement of 60 years can open up job opportunities for the youth, preventing older individuals from taking up positions that could be filled by qualified youth.
Moreover, financial literacy education should be added in school curriculums to empower the youth with the necessary skills to navigate adulthood and the job market.
Overall, these measures have the potential to tackle youth unemployment in Namibia.
