Govt working to improve graduates' job prospects, minister says

Minister of gender equality and child welfare Emma Kantema-Gaomas has called on graduates to be bold in charting their future, despite the hurdles posed by a shrinking job market.Addressing graduates at the University of Namibia’s (Unam&#039;s) Rundu campus last Friday, the minister encouraged the class of 2025 to explore both formal employment and entrepreneurial ventures."Remember what it took to get here. Let that discipline and focus guide you as you enter the world of work – whether in offices or your own ventures,” she said.According to a January Namibian Sun report, citing statistics from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), Kavango East has the second-highest unemployment rate in the country at 52%, following Kavango West.In the Ndiyona constituency, the unemployment rate is alarmingly high at 65.2%, with youth unemployment even higher at 73.2%.Bridging the gapKantema-Gaomas said government is actively working to bridge the gap between graduation and employment.“The Ministry of Finance has directed all public institutions to include apprenticeship and internship positions in their annual budgets. These opportunities will cover six-month terms for interns and apprentices and up to two years for graduate interns,” she explained.In her address, she outlined efforts by her ministry to stimulate economic independence, particularly for women and youth. This includes the income-generating activities support programme, which helps women and disadvantaged communities start or expand small businesses. The EntreprenHER Programme, meanwhile, equips women (70%) and men (30%) with business and personal development skills.She further cited a N$200 million youth fund aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs across the country.Women top graduation list Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu confirmed that a total of 426 students graduated at the ceremony across various disciplines, including business administration, education, nursing science, accounting and heritage and conservation management.“Of those, 64% were female and 36% were male,” he said.Additionally, the campus celebrated the academic success of seven students from marginalised communities and one visually impaired graduate.

Govt working to improve graduates' job prospects, minister says

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-17

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Govt working to improve graduates' job prospects, minister says

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-17

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