Patience Makwele
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, many citizens say political freedom has not yet brought economic opportunity.
“We are free, but not economically free,” said Maria Nghipandulwa, a 47-year-old unemployed graduate and mother of three.
The country celebrates independence on Saturday, just over a year after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took office.
She became Namibia’s first female head of state in March 2025.
Since then, her administration has introduced reforms aimed at improving governance and managing public finances. Nandi-Ndaitwah cut cabinet from 21 ministries to 14.
More women were appointed to senior roles, including Lucia Witbooi as vice president and Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila as speaker of the National Assembly.
The government has also introduced subsidised tertiary education this year.
The policy aims to improve access to education as concerns over unemployment grow.
Despite these steps, many Namibians say jobs remain the main challenge.
The unemployment rate stood at 36.9% in 2023, with youth unemployment higher.
“People have qualifications, but there are no jobs. We studied, but we are still sitting at home,” Nghipandulwa said.
Young people across the country say they are struggling to enter the labour market.
More than half of Namibia’s population is under the age of 35.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency’s (NSA) 2023 census data, over 71% of Namibia’s 3 million population is under the age of 35.
“It is a huge achievement. If you compare Namibia today to the 1990s, you can see the growth, especially in infrastructure. But the biggest achievement is having a female president,” Simon Liswani (37) told the Windhoek Observer.
He said early actions by the President have raised confidence.
“We are seeing action being taken. We just hope she remains consistent and does not change like others who came with promises,” he said.
Others point to peace as a key milestone.
“Reaching 36 years without war is something we should recognise,” said Jacobus Gawases.
“We are a peaceful country. The main issues affecting us now are crime and unemployment.”
In rural areas, some residents say development is not equal.
A resident from the Kunene region said independence brought freedom, but development is not the same everywhere.
“We still need roads, water and jobs.”
Jeremiah Shilongo (76) said Namibians should be proud of themselves, noting that many countries are still fighting to achieve the peace and stability Namibia has attained.
He said solving unemployment will require effort beyond government.
“Not everyone will get a job,” he said. “Young people must also create opportunities for themselves instead of relying only on government.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to grow the economy, increase local participation and reduce unemployment.
But Maria Nekwaya, a small business owner, said while people are proud of independence, they want to see change in their everyday lives.
Analysts say attention now turns to implementation.
“The challenge is ensuring that these policies translate into jobs and economic growth,” said economic analyst Albert Matengu.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani said unemployment must be treated as a national priority.
“We cannot continue to celebrate independence while many Namibians remain unemployed and excluded from the economy,” he said.
