Namibia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Namibia's youth unemployment was 38.05% in 2025, ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 2.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Namibia's youth unemployment stood at 38.05% in 2025, a rise of +0.81pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 36.66% by 2026. Namibia ranked 172nd globally.
Namibia’s youth unemployment rate stood at 38.05 % in 2025, placing the country 172nd in the global ranking and marginally above the 2025 rates of Haiti (37.52 %) and Tunisia (38.08 %). Over the 35‑year series, the indicator rose from 34.68 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 46.56 % in 1997, a period marked by post‑independence economic adjustments, before falling to a trough of 34.09 % in 2012 during a phase of modest growth and targeted labour‑market reforms. Since that low, the rate has steadily climbed, reflecting persistent structural challenges such as limited entry‑level job creation, skills mismatches, and a rapidly expanding young population. The recent figure remains well above the 1991 baseline, indicating that the earlier gains have not been sustained. Continued investment in vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and diversification of the economy will be crucial if Namibia is to reverse the upward trajectory and bring youth unemployment closer to the trough level experienced in 2012.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 35.73% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 36.20% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 36.66% | - | - |
| 2025 | 38.05% | +0.81pp | #172 |
| 2024 | 37.24% | +0.11pp | #172 |
| 2023 | 37.13% | −0.68pp | #174 |
| 2022 | 37.81% | −2.29pp | #176 |
| 2021 | 40.10% | −1.41pp | #176 |
| 2020 | 41.51% | +3.35pp | #176 |
| 2019 | 38.16% | +0.18pp | #179 |
| 2018 | 37.97% | −3.49pp | #173 |
| 2017 | 41.47% | −2.74pp | #175 |
| 2016 | 44.21% | +2.99pp | #177 |
| 2015 | 41.22% | +2.49pp | #174 |
| 2014 | 38.73% | −1.77pp | #171 |
| 2013 | 40.51% | +6.41pp | #172 |
| 2012 | 34.09% | −5.27pp | #158 |
| 2011 | 39.37% | −5.16pp | #172 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Namibia matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2009. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Namibia's youth unemployment was 38.05% in 2025. Ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 2.2% increase from the previous year.
Namibia's youth unemployment peaked at 46.56% in 1997.
The lowest youth unemployment in Namibia was 34.09% in 2012.
Namibia ranks 172nd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Namibia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 36.66% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Namibia in 2025 was 38.05%. This ranks 172nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_namibia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Namibia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/namibia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}