Policy Blindspot as Administration Takes Office
The Namibian government faces a surprising transparency challenge: there is no reliable system to track how many jobs have been created since a new administration assumed office. This admission came from National Planning Commission (NPC) director general Kaire Mbuende during a general meeting with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). The revelation underscores a broader issue in public data governance that could affect how the public assesses the effectiveness of labor and economic policies.
Why Job-Tracking Matters
For any government, accurate labor market data is essential for evaluating economic performance, directing policy, and communicating progress to citizens and investors. When a new administration touts job creation, the public expects verifiable figures—not estimates or anecdotes. Without a robust system to track jobs, it becomes difficult to measure the impact of stimulus programs, public works, or private-sector growth on employment. The lack of data also hampers accountability, making it harder for lawmakers to adjust policies in response to real-world outcomes.
The Current Gap
According to Mbuende, there is no comprehensive mechanism to compile and verify job creation figures across sectors and regions. The NSA is primarily responsible for statistics, but the collaboration and data-sharing required to produce timely employment metrics appear to be insufficient. This gap means that even when other agencies report indicators like unemployment rates or growth in GDP, a credible, up-to-date tally of new jobs may be unavailable or unreliable.
Implications for Policy and Planning
Policy planning relies on evidence. Without precise job data, government programs aimed at reducing unemployment or encouraging enterprise development risk targeting the wrong areas or misallocating resources. Private sector stakeholders also benefit from clear signals about job creation, which influence investment decisions, wage negotiations, and workforce training priorities. In the absence of robust data, the credibility of policy announcements can suffer, potentially eroding public trust.
Potential Remedies
Several steps could help close the data gap. First, establishing a unified, interoperable labor database that collects job creation data from ministries, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector would provide a fuller picture. Second, frequent publication of employment statistics—monthly or quarterly—could improve transparency and allow policymakers to adjust programs quickly. Third, age, gender, and regional breakdowns would enable targeted interventions to support groups most affected by job scarcity.
What Stakeholders Can Expect Next
Stakeholders, including business groups, labor unions, and development partners, are likely to call for stronger data governance. The NSA and NPC may need to enter formal agreements on data sharing, standard definitions of “jobs created,” and quality controls to ensure comparability over time. While the current admission highlights a short-term administrative challenge, it also presents an opportunity to strengthen Namibia’s statistical ecosystem and the efficacy of its economic policies.
Conclusion
The admission that there is no reliable system to track jobs since the new administration highlights a critical gap in Namibia’s data infrastructure. As policymakers acknowledge this blind spot, the path forward should prioritize transparent, timely, and granular employment data. Doing so will not only improve policy design and accountability but also bolster public confidence in government initiatives aimed at expanding employment opportunities for Namibians.
