Tsumeb in the Oshikoto region is among the top 10 towns in the country with the highest urban population, according to the 2023 Namibia Population and Housing Census.
The town, which ranked 10th, had a population of 34 960 residents in 2023.
The other towns and city on the list are Windhoek in top spot, Rundu, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Oshakati, Otjiwarongo, Katima Mulilo, Okahandja and Rehoboth.
These statistics were provided by Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) administration and logistics manager Julius Namholo during the launch of the Oshikoto regional profile at Omuthiya on Monday.
“More people live in urban than rural areas. They move and keep relocating to urban areas due to certain factors, such as employment. Tsumeb was the most populous town in the Oshikoto region, and the population grew by 62.9% between 2011 and 2023,” he said.
Namholo said the overall population in the Oshikoto region has increased by 5.4% between 2011 and 2023, which puts pressure on housing, water, sanitation, electricity, transport, and employment at the town.
He said there is a risk of informal settlements expanding without adequate planning.
“From the statistics of Oshikoto, 81.6% of the population reside in rural areas, with the Omuthiyagwiipundi constituency having the highest population of 39 855, while the Guinas constituency had the smallest population of 8 845,” he reported.
Over 80% of the region’s residents can read and write with understanding. However, those who have never attended school stand at 9.9%. Eengodi, Guinas and Nehale lyaMpinga have the lowest school attendance under the age of six.
Overall, school enrolment in the region is over 75%. The rates were high for the ages of seven to 15 years, with over 90% for both genders.
A total of 67 104 people within the working age group in the region indicated that they were not interested in employment due to various reasons. Within this group, the majority, 42.1%, were occupied with taking care of their homes or families, followed by 30.5% who were studying.
“Unemployment among the labour force is 38.4%. Young people and women are disproportionately affected. Structural reforms needed to align education with job market needs,” Namholo said. – Nampa
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