Patience Makwele
Across Namibia, many young people are starting small side businesses as unemployment continues to limit formal job opportunities.
From selling thrift clothing online to running small food stalls or offering services through social media, youth are finding ways to earn an income while searching for stable employment.
Twenty-four-year-old Michael Amutenya runs a small phone repair service from his family home in Katutura. The business became his main source of income after months of unsuccessful job applications.
“I applied for many jobs, but nothing came through,” he said. “At some point you stop waiting and start doing something for yourself.”
Amutenya repairs cracked phone screens and sells accessories such as chargers and earphones. He advertises his services through WhatsApp groups, Instagram and Facebook Marketplace.
“Some days are good and some days are slow, but at least I’m earning something,” he said.
Twenty-three-year-old Patronella, who asked to be identified by her first name only, also started a small online business. She sells second-hand clothing through Instagram and WhatsApp.
“I realised that waiting for a job was not working,” she said. “So I started buying clothes in bulk and reselling them online.”
Most of her customers are young people looking for affordable clothing.
“It’s not a big business yet, but it helps me pay for groceries and transport,” Patronella said.
Stories like these are becoming common across the country as more young people turn hobbies and skills into small businesses.
Namibia continues to face a youth unemployment rate of about 44.4%, one of the highest in the region.
Government and development organisations have encouraged young people to start businesses rather than relying only on formal employment.
Programmes such as the National Youth Development Fund have been introduced to support youth-led businesses. Reports show the programme has helped create about 722 jobs for young entrepreneurs.
Analysts say entrepreneurship can help address the employment challenge, especially in sectors such as technology, agriculture, tourism and creative industries.
However, surveys show many young people still prefer stable jobs.
An Afrobarometer survey found that only about 19% of young people say they want to start their own businesses. Most still hope to find work in government or the formal sector.
Youth activist Renciah Kooper said the findings reflect the challenges young people face.
“Education is no longer a guarantee of employment,” she said.
As a result, more young people are entering the informal economy.
Some run food stalls, braid hair, sell cosmetics or operate small digital businesses from their homes.
Twenty-two-year-old Roxanna !Garoëb runs a weekend food stall near a busy taxi stop in Windhoek.
“I sell vetkoek, chips and sausages mostly to students and taxi drivers,” she said.
The stall helps her cover daily expenses while she continues looking for stable work.
“At least I’m doing something instead of sitting at home,” she said.
Experts say youth entrepreneurship can offer independence but also reflects deeper economic challenges. Without stronger support systems, many small businesses remain survival ventures rather than companies that can employ others.
For Amutenya, his small phone repair table outside his house represents the beginning of something larger.
“Maybe one day I can open a proper shop,” he said.
