Omaheke — Young residents of the Omaheke region have raised concerns that poor communication and a skills gap are exacerbating youth unemployment in the area.

According to a new release by NAMPA, these concerns were voiced during a public engagement on Friday, held at the Epako community hall in Gobabis. The event was organized by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resources and Community Development to discuss youth unemployment. Participants argued that a lack of reliable communication channels to inform them of opportunities is a significant factor contributing to regional unemployment.

Another challenge discussed was the skills gap. Young people pointed out that the formal education system is not aligned with industry needs, leaving many skilled youths unemployed in the region.

Jacob Hikuama, a youth activist and farmer, emphasized the need for a vocational training center to address this issue. He questioned why an idle government building on Farm Du Plessis couldn't be repurposed for this use. “If you go around the country you will see vocational training centers, but we do not have them here in the Omaheke Region,” he said.

Youths also called for more flexible loan requirements, particularly from the Development Bank of Namibia and Agribank, to address unemployment. Additionally, they urged the government to revisit the criteria for the new green hydrogen scholarship program, which they say is too restrictive.

Elifas Dingara, the vice-chairperson of the standing committee, appreciated the active participation of the young people in the consultation. He assured them that the committee would expedite the release of the report and its implementation. “What we are basically doing is to get the contribution from the Namibian people so that we assist the parliament to make informed decisions,” he said.