Namibia’s Admission: A Gap in Job Tracking
In a candid disclosure during a general meeting with the Namibia Statistics Agency, the National Planning Commission (NPC) director general, Kaire Mbuende, acknowledged a critical challenge: there is no reliable system to quantify how many jobs have been created since the current administration took office. The admission underscores a broader issue of data gaps that can hamper policy decisions, investment confidence, and the nation’s ability to measure economic growth accurately.
The Context: Why Tracking Jobs Matters
Accurate job data is essential for assessing the effectiveness of government programs, private sector initiatives, and public investments. When leaders cannot determine employment outcomes, it becomes harder to identify which sectors are expanding, where job losses may be occurring, and how policies influence livelihoods on the ground. For a country like Namibia, where youth unemployment and the informal economy remain significant concerns, reliable employment statistics are more than a technical detail — they are a barometer of development progress.
Data Gaps and Implications
Mbuende’s admission highlights potential gaps in data collection, integration, and timely reporting. Possible factors contributing to these gaps include limited resources for surveys, fragmented information across ministries, and delays in harmonizing data from different statistical systems. Without a dependable method to track job creation, policymakers might struggle to:
- Assess the impact of economic diversification efforts and job-intensive programs.
- Measure progress toward national employment targets and sustainable development goals.
- Direct funding to high-impact sectors with verified job gains.
What Could Bridge the Gap?
Experts suggest several practical steps to close the data gap and establish a credible picture of employment trends:
- Strengthening data infrastructure: Invest in an integrated data platform that cross-references tax records, social security contributions, and business registrations to identify new and existing jobs.
- Regular, standardized surveys: Implement periodic labor market surveys with transparent methodology, sampling, and timely publication to provide a consistent pulse on employment.
- Public-private data collaboration: Encourage collaboration between government agencies and private sector partners to share anonymized employment data, reducing duplication and improving accuracy.
- Capacity building: Train statisticians and policymakers to analyze labor data effectively, interpret trends, and translate insights into policy actions.
- Clear governance and accountability: Establish oversight mechanisms to ensure data quality, privacy, and timely reporting to the public and international partners.
Implications for Policy and Public Trust
Transparency in how jobs are tracked directly affects public trust and the perceived legitimacy of government programs. When citizens and investors cannot see tangible evidence of job creation, skepticism may grow about the government’s ability to deliver on its economic promises. Conversely, a robust tracking system can demonstrate accountability, guide targeted interventions, and reinforce Namibia’s commitment to employment and inclusive growth.
Next Steps for Namibia
Officials have an opportunity to turn this admission into a governance turning point. By prioritizing data modernization, standardizing measurement, and sharing findings openly, Namibia can build a credible framework for monitoring employment, attracting investment, and planning for a resilient economy. The coming months could see policy discussions centered on creating a unified statistical ecosystem that aligns the work of the NPC, the National Statistics Agency, and other relevant bodies.
Looking Ahead
While the admission may reflect a setback in the short term, it also signals a willingness to confront systemic weaknesses. With the right investments in data systems and collaborative approaches, Namibia can move toward a future where job creation is consistently measured, accountable, and responsive to the needs of its people.
