IMELDA AMBONDO
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president Mc Henry Venaani has described rising youth unemployment as a threat to social cohesion and economic growth.
Venaani released a statement on Wednesday calling for urgent government action.
Venaani said the combined youth unemployment and potential labour force rate is projected to reach 61.4%, with youth unemployment expected to increase from 44.4% in 2023 to 45% by 2025.
“The continued rise in youth unemployment remains one of the most serious threats to our country’s social cohesion, economic growth, and future development,” he said.
Venaani said that young people are increasingly excluded from meaningful economic participation, despite making up the majority of the population.
“Youth unemployment is not an abstract statistic. It is a daily crisis affecting thousands of capable, educated, and willing young people who are being denied the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our nation,” he said.
The PDM leader called for youth unemployment to be declared a national emergency, saying such a move would signal political will and urgency.
“Such a declaration in Namibia is necessary to demonstrate political will and urgency,” he said.
PDM also criticised delays in parliamentary activity, pointing to remarks previously made by the President herself.
“The President herself has bitterly complained of Parliament not bringing any new laws,” he said.
The party has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to recall Parliament earlier than February 2026.
“Delaying the commencement of parliamentary business undermines the urgency of these national challenges,” the statement said, adding that leadership requires “decisive action and accountability, not excuses.”
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