Allexer Namundjembo
Khomas region’s population has risen to 494 605. This marks an increase of 44.6% between 2011 and 2023, according to the latest regional results of Namibia’s population and housing census released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
Presenting the findings, NSA statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said the 2023 census marked a shift in data collection.
“This was Namibia’s first digital census with real-time, computer-aided data collection using handheld devices,” Shimuafeni said.
He said the census remains central to public planning and governance.
“The census generates diverse data on demographic and socioeconomic information and plays an essential role in planning, policy formulation and evaluation,” he added.
The results show that Khomas remains largely urban. About 486 186 people live in urban areas, while 8 419 reside in rural parts of the region.
Urban population growth reached 49.2% between 2011 and 2023, while the rural population declined by 48.3% over the same period.
Khomas is now the most populated region in the country, followed by Ohangwena. Omaheke has the smallest population nationally.
At the constituency level, Samora Machel Constituency is the most populated, with 92 401 residents, while Katutura East Constituency has the smallest population at 22 940. Samora Machel also recorded the highest growth rate at 87.9%, while Katutura East recorded the lowest at 6.4%.
The census shows a youthful population. About 68.6% of residents are younger than 35 years. Females slightly outnumber males, with 95 males for every 100 females.
Windhoek and nearby settlements like Groot Aub, Kappsfarm, Seeis, and Dordabis host the majority of the population. Large parts of the region remain sparsely populated.
Windhoek-based community activist Sem David says Khomas remains the main administrative and economic center of Namibia.
“However, this is not enough for a city with such a fast-growing population. There is a frequent movement of people to Windhoek in search of work, which increases competition for the same limited number of available jobs,” David said.
He said youth unemployment remains high and informal settlements are expanding rapidly. He added that the economy lacks diversification beyond the government and a few main sectors.
“The existing infrastructure does not fully support job creation for the people, and the job creation ‘pump’ is still providing too few opportunities. It is not keeping up with the needs and demands of the population,” he said.
David said the government should strengthen support for small businesses and entrepreneurship, invest in labour-absorbing industries and formalise informal settlements.
Oshikango-based youth activist Fransina Shilomboleni said Ohangwena, now the second most populated region, still lacks adequate infrastructure and jobs.
“There are not enough schools, hospitals, roads, and factories. The government should build more schools because classrooms are overcrowded, and many qualified teachers do not have jobs. More clinics and hospitals must also be built because the current ones are too full and far from some communities. Roads must be improved so people can travel easily for business and medical care,” Shilomboleni said.
She added that the government should support farming and build factories.
“The region has enough land for farming and business projects. If the government invests in infrastructure and development, unemployment will be reduced,” she said.
