The Namibian government is doing all it can to address unemployment, which has become a cause for concern.

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, says people are forced to live below the standard of dignity enjoyed by those who are gainfully employed.

Klazen made these remarks at the opening of the Men on the Side of the Road (MSR) office in Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay.

Klazen says the government is aware of many young people struggling to find jobs and thus finding themselves on the streets.

He says that the fishing industry alone employs about 18,000 people, and more are still flocking to Walvis Bay in the hope of finding greener pastures.

He says that many fishermen have lost their jobs in recent years for a variety of reasons, adding to the already alarming unemployment rate.

"In this case, it will take the effort of the ministry of labor, industrial relations, and employment creation, the youth employment task force, corporations, businesses, and citizens, and all of us seated here today have a role to play in carrying out this effort."

The rate of youth unemployment has surpassed the 50% mark, and Klazen says it remains evident that only once they combat unemployment in Namibia will the country begin to thrive.

Also speaking at the occasion is Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes, who says unemployment is one of the biggest economic problems that his town battles against.

"We are the closest form of government in the country and the frontline people to whom the unemployed, homeless, hungry, and sick come. We are the first to see the despair and loss of hope on the faces of those whose dreams and aspirations have, for too long, remained out of reach."

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the MSR, Crystal Beukes, says Namibia's high rate of unemployment poses burdens on society.

"The youth struggle to find entry-level jobs that provide them with the experience and skills necessary to advance in the labor market, which causes both a social and economic burden on the individuals and creates a systemic problem of unfulfilled labor potential in the greater economy."

MSR was established in 2007 and has so far registered more than 2,000 members.

MSR is a non-profit organization that aims to reduce unemployment rates by providing members with life skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training.

The aim is to prepare them for the market and connect them with employment opportunities.