Allexer Namundjembo
The growing participation of young people in politics is bringing energy, ideas, and accountability into the country’s political space. Analysts say this trend signals a positive step toward a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah told the Windhoek Observer that the increasing interest among the youth reflects their determination to influence change in systems that have failed to address their needs.
“Many youths are stepping forward because they are the largest group affected by unemployment and poverty, which leaves them socially and economically frustrated,” he said.
Kamwanyah said young people’s involvement strengthens Namibia’s democratic values and ensures better representation for all citizens.
“Their involvement reflects a desire to change the systems that have failed to address their needs. By contesting in regional and local authority elections, they seek to influence decisions that impact their lives directly.”
Kamwanyah said the decision reflects progress in the country’s democracy, showing that young leaders are starting to take charge, which brings hope for more accountability and new ideas in government.
Movements such as the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Movement and the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) have included young candidates on their election lists.
The PDM fielded a 21-year-old activist during the most recent elections, the youngest on its list, as part of its efforts to empower young voices.
Political analyst Sackaria Johannes described the growing youth participation as a “wind of change” that could reshape the country’s political direction.
“Throughout history, changes in states came because of young people. This has a positive impact on our country in general and our democracy in particular. We are seeing a participatory democracy where young individuals decide to change the narrative of politics, they are not just talking but contesting.”
Johannes said the new wave of youth involvement marks a generational transition in Namibian politics. Young leaders are positioning themselves as policymakers ready to serve in government structures.
Youth representation has also grown at the national level. Patience Masua became the country’s youngest member of parliament in 2021 at 22. Emma Theofelus was appointed deputy minister of Information and Communication Technology at 23, making her one of the youngest government ministers in Africa.
The PDM’s Inna Hengari entered parliament in 2020, while her then colleague Maximalliant Katjimune joined in 2022 at 24.
Analysts say this growing youth presence shows that young Namibians are no longer content to be bystanders.
