Youth unemployment, recognition of the informal sector, and persistent gender gaps are among the key challenges that the National Budget has been criticised for failing to adequately address.

Youth unemployment, tribalism, the modernisation of agriculture, and the use of state health facilities dominated discussions between President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and a delegation from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) led by its president, McHenry Venaani, at State House.
 

Unemployment remains a major challenge in Drimiopsis, with youth calling for assistance, even in the form of community projects, to help them earn a living.

Youth at the southern village of Kalkrand in the Hardap Region say they have turned to prostitution and drugs as a result of unemployment.
NBC's Reporter Emil Seibeb visited the sleepy village.

Youth activist Gabes Eigowab, from the Omitara settlement, has said limited exposure and a lack of educational institutions and job opportunities continue to hinder motivated young people, despite government inclusivity efforts.

Residents of Oshaampula Village in the Oshikoto Region called for meaningful change after the elections to improve their living conditions.

They called for the upgrading of the Okankolo-Onkumpula road, saying the current state of the road severely affects their daily lives.

Well over 12 million young people enter the job market each year, while only about three million jobs are created annually.

A public discussion by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) highlighted the structural causes of joblessness and emphasised the need to better align the country's economic growth with job creation. 

Kamanjab Constituency Councillor Nikodemus Amutenya says the anticipated road upgrade at the village will bring the much-needed relief to help address youth unemployment at the settlement.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has told fellow SADC leaders that the objectives of the development plans would not be realised when citizens are confronted by hunger, high youth unemployment and other socio-economic challenges.