Unemployment in namibia continues to strain the economy and fuel social challenges, including gender-based violence.
A multifaceted strategy is needed to address this national crisis. One innovative proposal calls on public servants to contribute 2% of their pensions to a dedicated fund for agricultural job creation – allowing them to become shareholders in an ‘agrifund’ while investing in the country’s future.
Rooted in biblical values, this idea promotes the pension contribution not as a burden, but as an act of national solidarity. Agriculture holds strong potential for employment, and a structured fund could help unlock this.
Such a fund could be used not only to create jobs, but also to support skills development in farming, food production, and agribusiness management. By investing in training, the sector’s productivity and sustainability could be significantly improved. The fund could also assist smallholder farmers through microloans and subsidised inputs. Strengthening rural farming would stimulate local economies and help reduce migration to urban areas.
However, reducing unemployment requires a broader approach beyond the agricultural sector. Encouraging entrepreneurship is key.
Equally important is the expansion of vocational education. Partnering with industries to design training programmes would ensure their relevance.
Investment in infrastructure is also vital. This not only boosts agricultural output but creates additional jobs in construction and maintenance. At the same time, efforts to diversify the economy can attract foreign direct investment into sectors like manufacturing and tech, broadening the employment base.
Finally, the growing renewable energy industry presents an untapped opportunity. Investment in solar, wind, and related technologies could offer jobs in installation, maintenance, and research.
This pension proposal, paired with long-term structural reforms, embodies a spirit of collective action. By investing in each other and in key sectors, Namibians can build a future rooted in dignity, resilience, and shared prosperity.
– Samuel Ndeshimona
