🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibia's job creation efforts face coordination and scalability challenges
via The Namibian4 min read
Namibia's national conversation frequently addresses job creation, with initiatives like Mobile Telecommunications Limited’s 4Life programme and the National Youth Development Fund supporting entrepreneurs. Despite these efforts, youth unemployment was approximately 44% in 2023, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. The country aims to create 500,000 jobs, a goal complicated by the increasing number of graduates entering the labor market due to expanded access to free tertiary education. While this investment in human capital is positive, there is a risk of a growing number of educated but unemployed youth if the economy cannot absorb them. The challenge is not a lack of ideas, as building blocks for job creation, such as stronger skills systems and support for small and medium enterprises, are recognized. However, a central constraint is the absence of a coordinated view of the employment landscape, leading to limited tracking of outcomes and insufficient alignment among initiatives. This results in promising programs not being consistently scaled or replicated, and the collective impact remains below its potential. Micro and small enterprises, which sustain many livelihoods, often fail within their first five years, highlighting the need to support businesses not only to start but to grow. Addressing these issues requires stronger institutional coordination, clearer accountability, and a deliberate focus on scaling effective strategies. Initiatives like the Global Acc
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadMinister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi ordered an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitment at the Roads Authority RA in 2025. This probe was initiated after Nekundi claimed that six senior positions at the RA were predominantly filled by employees from the Zambezi region. The investigation found that the RA employs approximately 74 people from the Zambezi region, compared to over 300 from northern Namibia. While Nekundi expressed satisfaction with the findings, the investigation has revived broader concerns about tribalism in parastatals and government offices, an issue that has persisted since a high-level parliamentary committee investigated similar allegations in 2004. Former RA chief executive Conrad Lutombi, who led the parastatal from 2010 to 2025, denied allegations of tribal recruitment, stating that all recruitments followed company policy. RA board chairperson Martins Kambulu confirmed an internal audit investigated the allegations, asserting the investigation was impartial. Critics, including former Namibia Wildlife Resorts chief executive Mathius Ngwangwama and various political party spokespersons, emphasize the need for open debate and stronger oversight to address systemic issues of tribalism, favouritism, and unfair recruitment practices in public institutions.
A rare chicken breed, dubbed the 'Herero chicken', originating from Namibia, has become a prized possession for many farmers in South Africa, fetching prices up to N$1 000 per bird. Emmanuel Mudau, founder of Mathuba Genetics, states that these chickens were brought to South Africa from Gobabis' 'Herero land' in 2001 by white farmers. Mudau highlights the breed's quality meat, disease resistance, and dual-purpose nature, laying good eggs and cleaning animal coops by removing ticks. The chickens are characterized by a beard, a crest, and abundant feathers on their heads, making them distinct. Despite their popularity in South Africa, many local Namibian poultry farmers and even a Herero historian, Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro, are unfamiliar with the 'Herero chicken', only recognizing the 'Wamboe chicken'. According to the Southern African Show Poultry Organisation Breed Standards, Johnny Morrison first brought these crested and bearded fowl to South Africa from Namibia in 2001 after discovering them among Herero homesteads north of Gobabis.
Must ReadSix years after the Fishrot scandal, Namibia's fishing industry still lacks transparency, despite its economic importance. The sector, a major contributor to jobs and export earnings, operates with a level of secrecy that allows for abuse and corruption. There is no public register of fishing rights holders, quota recipients, or ultimate beneficiaries. This lack of transparency is identified as a governance failure, perpetuating the structural weaknesses that enabled Fishrot. Graham Hopwood, the Institute for Public Policy Research's executive director, emphasizes that discretionary powers over quotas remain concentrated, allocation processes are opaque, and 'paper quota holders' profit without investment. To address this, the government must publish full lists of rights holders, quota allocations, and beneficial owners. It also needs to align the sector with global transparency standards like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, reform the Marine Resources Act to limit unchecked discretion, and commit to open, rules-based allocation systems. Joining initiatives like the Fisheries Transparency Initiative would signal a serious commitment to reform. This is crucial not only for preventing corruption but also for rebuilding trust, attracting investment, and ensuring Namibia's marine resources benefit broad-based development.
Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory against Getafe, with goals from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford, moving them 11 points clear of Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. This win positions Hansi Flick’s side to potentially claim their second consecutive Spanish title if they defeat Osasuna next weekend and Real Madrid fails to beat Espanyol. Despite missing injured wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Barcelona managed to overcome Getafe. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-2, gaining momentum before their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. Alexander Sorloth scored twice for Atletico, though the team expressed concern over midfielder Pablo Barrios, who left the game injured. Atletico Madrid, currently fourth in La Liga, is focusing on European success as their main silverware hope this season. The team celebrated the win, aiming to boost confidence for their upcoming match against Arsenal.