14/01/2026
Venaani Calls on President to Declare Youth Unemployment a National Emergency
Kaleb Nghishidivali
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president McHenry Venaani has urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to take urgent and decisive action to address Namibia’s worsening unemployment crisis, warning that the continued rise in youth unemployment threatens the country’s social stability and economic future.
“Youth unemployment remains one of the most serious threats to our country’s social cohesion, economic growth and future development,” Venaani said. “Young people, who make up the majority of our population, are increasingly excluded from meaningful economic participation.”
Venaani noted that Namibian youth remain particularly vulnerable, with the combined youth unemployment and potential labour force rate projected to reach 61.4%. He further cited a 2023 Parliamentary report, which placed youth unemployment at 44.4%, while the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) projects the figure will rise to 45% by 2025.
“This is not just a statistic. It is a daily crisis affecting thousands of capable, educated and willing young Namibians who are being denied the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our nation,” he said.
The PDM leader said his party has long prioritised the issue of youth unemployment. He recalled that in 2021, PDM Member of Parliament Inna Hengari tabled a motion calling for youth unemployment to be declared a national emergency, demonstrating the party’s consistent commitment to finding solutions.
“We therefore call on the Government to emulate South Africa, which has formally recognised youth unemployment as a national crisis,” Venaani said. “Such a declaration in Namibia is necessary to demonstrate political will and urgency.”
Venaani added that the declaration must be accompanied by the immediate establishment of a dedicated special committee tasked solely with addressing youth unemployment. He said the committee should coordinate across ministries, engage the private sector, align education and skills development with labour market needs, and implement practical programmes that create real jobs.
“Government can no longer rely on excuses while young people suffer,” he said.
Venaani also referred to President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s own criticism of Parliament for failing to introduce new legislation, noting that she has the constitutional authority to recall the National Assembly.
“The President herself has complained that Parliament is not bringing any new laws. She has the power to recall the National Assembly so that real work can begin,” Venaani said.
He called on the President to recall Parliament earlier than the scheduled opening in February 2026, suggesting that lawmakers should convene one to two weeks earlier to deliberate and pass critical legislation related to employment, service delivery and social protection.
“Delaying parliamentary business undermines the urgency of these national challenges,” Venaani said. “Leadership demands decisive action and accountability, not excuses.”
