A new report released by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) encourages empowerment of the youth in the Kavango East Region to address the challenge of high unemployment.

The APRM self-monitoring mechanism of the African Union is currently conducting a sensitisation programme, in collaboration with regional councils, to promote good governance at that level.

Chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council, Damian Maghambayi, said the objective of the engagement at Rundu was to raise awareness about the African Peer Review Mechanism's national structures, its mandate, and its operations.

"As well as to encourage full participation of stakeholders in the African Peer Review Mechanism process and create platforms for addressing governance challenges through the implementation of the National Programme of Action arising from the review report among the AU member states."

The National Focal Point `& CEO of the African Peer Review Mechanism, Lineekela Mboti, highlighted that it was imperative that the report be released to the regional leadership to start with the implementation process.

"We are aware that all over our countries are not at the same pace of development, and it is also through the APRM that we learn and share the best practices on the continent. What were the findings of this report as far as Namibia is concerned?

African Peer Review Mechanism Chief Policy Analyst Astro Kabuku said, "The report says there has to be a youth programme coordination and implementation unit. It must be at the higher level where it can hold certain issues to account. There is a youth fund that is also coming, so the youth would be able to access funds, start their own businesses, and learn to develop business skills."

Another national challenge addressed by the APRM Report is effective implementation of decentralisation in the regions.