Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has commissioned the new National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), with Namibia now entrusted to spearhead efforts to tackle youth unemployment across the African continent.
Speaking on the development, APRM ambassador and council chairperson Wilfred Emvula, said Namibia’s work on youth unemployment has already gained continental attention.
“They are wondering how Namibia, in such a short time, has crafted that report that talks to the issues of youth unemployment, which is a continental problem. After that, Namibia was given the responsibility to spearhead the process of addressing youth unemployment on the continent,” Emvula said.
The report, presented by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, focused on the implementation of Namibia’s National Programme of Action aimed at addressing unemployment, particularly among the youth. It highlighted practical interventions such as youth development funding, apprenticeship programmes and education support.
Emvula explained that the country’s approach has been inclusive and consultative, involving multiple sectors of society.
“Stakeholders involve the business sector, clergy, academia, people with disabilities, women – all groups that compose our society. The implementation of the National Programme of Action is not just a government duty but also a duty of all stakeholders that have been part and parcel of the process,” he said.
The new responsibility now places Namibia at the centre of continental efforts to address one of Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
This comes as Namibia itself continues to face one of the highest unemployment levels globally. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, the country’s overall unemployment rate stands at 36.9%. Youth unemployment remains significantly higher, with census-based figures placing it at around 44.4% in 2023.
Modelled estimates from the World Bank suggest a slightly lower but still severe youth unemployment rate of about 37% in 2024.
Africa
By comparison, data from the International Labour Organisation shows that across Africa, youth unemployment is estimated at roughly 10% to 11% in 2024 in Sub-Saharan Africa, although these continental average mask wide disparities between countries.
Despite these challenges, Namibia’s structured and transparent response has positioned it as a leader in shaping solutions at a continental level. However, Emvula acknowledged that the task ahead is demanding.
“It puts quite a heavy responsibility on us as a council. We are not just being driven by our programme, but we also must make sure that we seriously engage, be critical, and guide the process,” he said.
He added that the council will intensify monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure progress.
“We will monitor further the implementation, report back to stakeholders on progress, and also identify the challenges that still remain in order for us ultimately to implement that national plan of action,” he said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, in her address during the inauguration at State House, underscored the importance of practical solutions in addressing unemployment.
“You should remind us and help us move in the right direction. Youth unemployment is still there,” the President said.
She emphasised that good governance remains central to achieving meaningful development outcomes. “If your governance is questionable, you will not succeed. Good governance is the backbone of any institution,” she said.
The President also reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to the APRM, describing it as a voluntary mechanism that reflects the country’s dedication to transparency, accountability and development.
The newly inaugurated council is expected to guide the implementation of key national and continental frameworks, including Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. In his acceptance remarks, Emvula said the body would build on the foundations laid by its predecessors and focus on delivering measurable results.
“The mandate of this council is clear. We are entrusted with providing strategic policy guidance and oversight to ensure the effective implementation of the review reports,” he said.
He added that the council will prioritise the development of progress reports on both the country review and the targeted review on youth unemployment while expanding engagement at regional and local levels.
The council is also expected to prepare Namibia’s next progress report for presentation at the APRM Forum of Heads of State and Governments in 2027.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
