Digital reform opens doors for Namibia’s youth

More than fish
Namibia’s push to digitise and improve transparency in the fisheries sector could create new career opportunities for young people, from technology and finance to marine science and entrepreneurship.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 1 Week Ago

Namibia’s move towards a more transparent and digital fishing industry could create new opportunities for young people while helping ensure the country’s marine resources benefit future generations.

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare highlighted the importance of digital reform in the fisheries sector during the first National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay.

A new digital dashboard, developed by Namibian experts, is expected to give the government a clearer picture of the sector’s performance. The platform could make it easier to monitor activities in the industry and assess whether economic empowerment is delivering meaningful benefits for Namibians.

While the reforms focus on transparency and accountability, young Namibians say they could also help create opportunities for the next generation.

Rauna Kashululu, an accounting student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), said transparency was important in managing the country’s natural resources.

“As young people, we want to see that Namibia’s resources are properly managed and that the benefits reach ordinary Namibians. Transparency can help ensure accountability and create opportunities for everyone,” she said.

Kashululu said young people studying finance and accounting could play an important role in strengthening financial management and accountability in industries such as fisheries.

Communication student Valencia Hatutale said it was equally important for young people to understand developments and opportunities in the country’s industries.

“Many young people may not know about the different opportunities available in the fisheries and blue economy sectors. Communication is important because it creates awareness and allows young people to prepare themselves for future opportunities,” she said.

The growing use of technology in fisheries could also open doors for young Namibians interested in careers beyond traditional fishing. Potential opportunities could include technology, finance, marine science, data analysis, environmental management, logistics, communication and entrepreneurship.

Ngurare warned that failing to implement the reforms discussed at the Indaba could have serious consequences for jobs, household incomes, coastal economies and opportunities for future generations.

For young Namibians, the conversation about fisheries is therefore about more than fish. It is about whether the country’s natural resources can support sustainable jobs, businesses and careers for the next generation.

As Namibia works towards a more transparent, inclusive and sustainable blue economy, young people could become accountants, communication professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists and innovators helping to shape the sector’s future.

The challenge now is ensuring that digital reform translates into practical skills development and real opportunities for Namibia’s youth.