Many young Namibians choose careers based on peer pressure or family expectations due to a lack of guidance on available opportunities.
The sixth edition of the Careers in Namibia 2025-2026 Guide seeks to address this by providing learners and young job seekers with reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their education, training and future careers.
The book outlines that inadequate career guidance has resulted in young people pursuing qualifications simply because they are available, without necessarily understanding the career paths they are entering.
The Deputy Executive Director in the Justice and Labour Relations ministry reflected on how, in the past, some students limited knowledge of available institutions and career options, often ending up enrolling for courses based on available spaces rather than their preferred professions.
Aune Mundjanima said some young people also choose careers because their friends are pursuing the same qualifications.
"However, many young people lack access to comprehensive information about available career opportunities, sometimes the new emerging markets or economy that they can be able to penetrate and create their niche in. They also are about the qualification required in the market so that we don't saturate it."
The guide also comes at a time when Namibia's economy is evolving, with emerging opportunities in green hydrogen, renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, tourism, logistics, manufacturing and information and communication technology.
Mundjanima called on educational institutions to regularly review their curricula to ensure that the qualifications and skills they offer respond to the changing needs of industries.
"So we therefore need to strengthen the connection between our education and training system and the actual need of the industry, as we are also required to encourage our young people to develop not only academic qualifications but also practical competencies, critical thinking, creativity, communication, problem-solving, digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills."
The Careers in Namibia 2025-2026 Guide provides information on career planning, professions, entry requirements, skills in demand, particularly in the green energy sector, and preparation for the world of work.