Projected at a whopping 46.1 per cent, youth unemployment remains the biggest challenge facing young Namibians, foreign affairs minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who also doubles as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, made the startling revelation during the commemoration of Europe Day on Monday celebrated under the theme ‘European Year of Youth’.

To Nandi-Ndaitwah, the theme is fitting to the avalanche of challenges young people are confronted with globally, and locally in particular.

The skyrocketing unemployment levels in the country led to recommendations and mitigating measures by the African Peer-Review Mechanism, which the government received with open arms.

“This review recommended, amongst others, the streamlining of youth initiatives within our government, the mainstreaming of technical and vocational training within the education system and the enactment of legislation to revive formal internship programs in the country,” she said.

In the furtherance of employment creation, a multi-stakeholder committee was established in March to design modalities for a national internship programme.

It is to be rolled out in 2023.

The minister also urged the youth to venture into agri-business, saying its potential remains largely untapped.

In addition, Namibia’s ties with the European Union (EU) remain rock-solid evidenced by the N.dollars 22 billion worth of goods Namibia exported to that continent, she said.

But there is room for improvement.

“Namibia is determined to expand its exports to Europe, in particular the export of green hydrogen and green ammonia,” Nandi-Ndaitwah added.

The seasoned diplomat also addresses the war in Ukraine, which Russia has dubbed ‘a special military operation’.

“War and conflict affect the youth disproportionately, reversing any educational gains and destroying their livelihoods, including in the context of the ongoing conflicts experienced in different parts of the world,” she said.

On her part, EU Ambassador to Namibia, Sinikka Antila had no kind words for Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who she blames for the military crisis in the heart of Europe.

She said Europe will beef up its investment in defence, deploy different forces and capabilities to protect itself.

“We will not let President Putin tear down the security architecture that has given Europe peace, stability and prosperity over many decades,” Antila said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency