Windhoek: Youth empowerment remains a key pillar of the Kunene Region's development agenda, with government creating employment opportunities and supporting youth entrepreneurship through various initiatives. Delivering the State of the Region Address (SORA) in Opuwo on Tuesday, Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua said government continues to invest in programmes aimed at equipping young people with skills, employment opportunities and access to funding in line with the country's Vision 2030 goals.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Muharukua said infrastructure development projects have created employment for hundreds of young people across the region. The Khorixas-Kamanjab road project has employed 143 young people, while the Opuwo-Otjivize road project has created 22 jobs and is expected to recruit a further 178 workers during the current financial year. The Opuwo-Oute Bridge project has employed 11 young people, with another 90 expected to be recruited as construction progresses.
The governor noted that school construction projects have provided employment for about 253 young people, while the Opuwo Aerodrome construction project has created 34 jobs for youths. Muharukua added that the Namibian Police Force recruited 131 young officers from the region, while the Namibian Correctional Service employed more than 60 young people and the health sector recruited 176 young professionals.
"The government has also expanded opportunities for youth entrepreneurship through funding and skills development initiatives," the governor said. During the period under review, 31 youth-owned businesses received financial support through the Namibia Youth Credit Scheme, while Epupa Youth Investment CC received equipment valued at N.dollars 300 000 under the Constituency Youth Enterprises Programme.
Nineteen young women completed tailoring training, while 30 young people were trained in perfume production. Other initiatives included the registration of the Unified Poultry Producers Cooperative in Kamanjab and support for mushroom production in Khorixas.
Muharukua encouraged young people to take advantage of available government funding opportunities, noting that 93 young entrepreneurs had been identified for support under the National Youth Development Fund following consultations facilitated by the Ministry of Finance. He further said preparations are underway for the construction of the Opuwo Multi-Purpose Youth Resource Centre.
The governor urged young people to pursue sustainable businesses that address challenges such as water scarcity, food production and infrastructure, saying innovation and entrepreneurship would be key to accelerating development in the Kunene Region.