Youth unemployment continues to increase – urban employment remains static

The youth unemployment rate for 15 years to 34 years for 2018 jumped to 46.1% from 43.4% cent recorded in 2016 and urban employment remained literally static between 2016 and 2018 , according to the latest Namibia Labour Force (LFS) survey from NSA.

The statistics agency this week released the survey and said however, with regards to the youth in the age range of 19 to 34 years), the unemployment rate is 44.8%.

“While, we have a significant increase in female employment, from 318,615 in 2016 to 364,234 in 2018 we only had a very slight increase in the male segment. In 2016, male employment figures slightly increased from 358,270 to 361,508 in 2018. Whilst urban employment remained literally static between 2016 and 2018, the rural indicators show an increase from 261,707 to 310,154,” Statistician General Alex Shumuafeni said.

Shimuafeni said the survey’s objectives is to provide up to date labour market information for our planning and decision making. The data provided consists of industry information as well as employment and unemployment indicators.