NDP4 failed to create enough jobs

NDP4 failed to create enough jobsSkills deficit blamed The fourth National Development Plan recently came under review, as a new development plan is expected to be adopted in April 2017. The fourth National Development Plan (NDP4) created about 712 000 jobs against the target of 900 000 in 2014.

National development advisor Johannes Ashipala said this in his presentation on a review of NDP4 and processing of the NDP5 during a one-day government forum with its development partners in the capital on Monday.

The forum aims to ensure effectiveness of development assistance in support of the government''s national development plans.

The review of the NDP4 period from 2012/13 to 2016/17 focuses on three goals: faster and sustainable economic growth, job creation and enhanced income equality.

Ashipala said in 2013 only 690 000 people were employed, while in 2012, 630 000 were employed.

He said the agricultural sector had performed well for the past five years by employing over 35 760 more people, while logistics employed an additional 1 894 and manufacturing 194 more people in 2014.

“We did not make any improvement in the manufacturing sector, however we still believe that manufacturing can contribute to value addition and create more jobs in the future.”

Ashipala said the NDP5 was in its draft form and still open for suggestions and comments from the public.

He said NDP5 would have four objectives: inclusive and sustainable economic growth, job creation, poverty eradication and income equality.

Speaking at the same occasion, economic planning minister and director-general of the National Planning Commission Tom Alweendo said the failure to meet the job creation target in 2014 was caused by the lack of necessary skills in manufacturing in Namibia.

He said the government alone could not reduce unemployment, and called for private-sector involvement to provide the necessary skills and create jobs.

The official unemployment rate in Namibia stands at about 28%.

NDP5 will be effective from April 2017 to March 2022.

NAMPA