Windhoek: The National Planning Commission (NPC) and development partners have pledged renewed commitment to tackling youth unemployment, a challenge affecting nearly a quarter of the country's young population. Speaking at the 2025 Development Partners Forum in Windhoek, UN Resident Coordinator, Hopolang Phororo, emphasised the importance of youth inclusion in national development efforts.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum, held under the theme 'Empowering Namibia's Future by Tackling Youth Unemployment Together', brought together representatives from government, civil society, the private sector, and international organisations. Director General of the NPC, Kaire Mbuende, highlighted the urgency of addressing youth unemployment, which is currently estimated at 24 per cent.

Mbuende stated, 'Our young people are not a problem to be solved. They are solutions waiting to be enabled. They are the engineers of our renewable future, the coders building digital platforms, the farmers strengthening our food system, the innovators shaping industries, and the storytellers who will carry Namibia's identity onto the world stage.' He outlined strategic sectors for job creation, including agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, and digital innovation, and stressed the importance of shared ownership, risk, and accountability in development partnerships.

NPC Executive Director Ben Nashandi reiterated the importance of collaboration, noting that the forum serves as a bridge between policy and practice. 'Our commitment to work with our development partners remains undying. It is through this interaction that we remain partners,' said Nashandi.

The forum also saw a proposal for a Development Partners Coordination Platform on Employment, aimed at aligning efforts and monitoring progress under the National Development Plan Six (NDP6).