More than half of Namibia’s working-age population is either unemployed or part of the potential labour force, according to the 2023 Population and Housing Census Labour Force Report released by the Namibia Statistics Agency on Wednesday.

The report shows that Namibia’s unemployment rate has risen from 33.4% in 2018 to 36.9% in 2023—a 3.5% increase. However, youth unemployment saw a slight improvement, dropping from 46.1% in 2018 to 44.1% in 2023.

Namibia’s working-age population, defined as those aged 15 and older, is estimated to be over 1.8 million. The biggest increases in unemployment were recorded in Kavango West, Omusati, and Ohangwena, while regions such as ||Kharas, Hardap, Kunene, Omaheke, and Otjozondjupa saw a decline in joblessness.

Most employed Namibians work in low-skill jobs, with 21.8% in elementary occupations. The agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector employs 16.1%, while 10% work in wholesale, retail, and repair trades. Manufacturing, as well as administrative and support services, each account for over 9% of the workforce.

The report also highlights that among Namibia’s 300,000-strong potential labour force, a staggering 98.8% are discouraged job seekers; people who have stopped actively looking for work due to a lack of opportunities.

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Selima Henock