Windhoek: The first Aranos Youth Expo officially opened on Monday with a call for greater investment in young people through entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development, education, career guidance, and networking. In a speech read on his behalf by Hardap Governor Riaan McNab, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare highlighted the demographic changes in Aranos, noting that the population rose from 3,683 in 2011 to 5,493 in 2023, marking approximately a 49 percent increase. The wider Aranos Constituency now boasts a population of 10,722.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Prime Minister Ngurare emphasized that this population growth presents both opportunities and responsibilities, particularly in terms of increased demand for housing, employment, infrastructure, education, and municipal services. He pointed out that youth unemployment, specifically among those aged 15 to 34, stands at 34.5%, with 51.6% of young people not in employment, education, or training. Ngurare stressed that employment creation should not rely solely on the government and established businesses. He encouraged the youth to play an active role in shaping Aranos' future, asserting that they are not just beneficiaries of development but also entrepreneurs, innovators, skilled workers, professionals, and future leaders.
The prime minister further noted that youth development should encompass sports, recreation, culture, and community activities, as these contribute to confidence, discipline, leadership, and social cohesion. He articulated that the ultimate measure of youth development should be the number of young individuals transitioning into productive and sustainable livelihoods.
At the same event, Aranos Town Councillor Rodrick Diergaardt spoke on the potential economic development and youth employment opportunities linked to cultural heritage. He urged that traditional crafts, music, dance, food, storytelling, and local history be developed into businesses and tourism products. Diergaardt encouraged young people to explore opportunities in traditional arts and crafts, cultural tourism, photography, digital content creation, catering, and event organization.
He also highlighted the role of technology in helping young entrepreneurs market local products, document oral histories, and promote Aranos' cultural heritage beyond the town. Diergaardt called on elders to share their knowledge with younger generations and urged schools, businesses, and community organizations to support cultural initiatives through training, mentorship, equipment, and financial assistance.
The expo is organized under the theme 'Empowering Young People through Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Skills Development, Education, Career Guidance, and Networking.'