President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for stronger links between education, skills development and employment opportunities to ensure young people benefit from emerging economic sectors.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks in New York during the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council high-level meeting on Monday, where she participated in a panel discussion on bridging the gap between education, skills and employment.
She said Namibia’s transition towards green growth must be managed in a way that equips young people with relevant skills, research capabilities and opportunities to participate in emerging industries.
The president said green hydrogen, agriculture, natural resources, value addition and energy are areas that can create opportunities for youth employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.
“The government has to create opportunities, and when you are empowering young people, you should also do your best to create a market for their products. Otherwise, they will be frustrated,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also stressed the need to strengthen regional value chains through the Southern African Development Community, allowing young people to collaborate across borders, access larger markets and contribute to regional development.
The meeting brought together global leaders and partners to discuss practical ways of connecting youth skills with employment opportunities.
