Is the Military Turning Into an Employment Agency?

In one part of the country, hundreds of unemployed teachers marched through the streets this week, placards in hand, demanding a chance to step into the classroom.

Elsewhere, prime minister Elijah Ngurare was celebrating the recruitment of 4 300 young people into Namibia’s military and police this year.

Unemployed teachers say their numbers have nearly doubled – from 8 000 in 2017 to 15 000 in 2025. Unemployed nurses are equally frustrated.

The message is hard to ignore.

Concerns persist that the government’s escalating recruitment into the defence force may be an attempt to mask deeper economic failures to deal with unemployment.

Ngurare says the government will create 4 300 jobs this year: defence force (1 800), police (1 780), correctional services (450).

The trend of employment in this sector has been going on for the past three years.

For the desperate unemployed, this is brilliant news. It offers a way to put food on the table.

Given Namibia’s peaceful geopolitical standing and infrequent military deployment, the rationale behind consistently expanding its security forces, rather than investing in economically productive sectors, warrants public debate.

It begs the question: What’s the real motive behind expanding the military and police?

Crime is on the rise across the country, yet police presence in known hotspots is minimal. Even our oceans aren’t safe – foreign vessels are reportedly plundering Namibia’s fish stocks with little resistance.

So, are we hiring to create jobs, or simply to be seen as ticking off Swapo’s election promises?

Wouldn’t those resources be better spent channelling young people into sectors that drive economic growth or to strengthen essential services like education and healthcare?

In an era of artificial intelligence, shouldn’t the government be pumping resources into developing targeted talent for that sector?

With Namibia on the cusp of a major oil discovery, shouldn’t we also be relentless in investing in preparing a workforce for that emerging industry? Or are the oil discoveries pushing Namibia to beef up its military?

Three years ago, a senior defence force ministry executive insisted the military is not an employment creation agency. By the look of things, the military is actually currently perceived as an employment bureau.

With Namibia’s youth unemployment estimated at 54% (in terms of the broader definition highlighted by economists), the government can ill afford a piecemeal approach to tackling this crisis. It’s a ticking time bomb.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.