Patience Makwele
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and the National Youth Service (NYS) have signed a three-year agreement aimed at strengthening youth development and preparing graduates for work in key public service and economic sectors.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed on Monday at the NamRA head office in Windhoek, sets out cooperation between the two institutions in training, capacity-building and skills development.
At the centre of the agreement is a three-month National Service Training programme for NamRA graduate recruits, which will be facilitated by the NYS.
The programme is expected to focus on discipline, work ethics and public service readiness, alongside practical exposure to government systems.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute said the partnership reflects the government’s broader push for institutions to work together in achieving national development goals.
He said Namibia needs a coordinated approach as it prepares for opportunities emerging in sectors such as oil and gas as well as trade facilitation and border management.
“We need to adopt what we call the whole-of-government approach, where different institutions in Namibia hold hands together and move in the same direction in ensuring that national development goals are achieved,” Shivute said.
He added that while qualifications remain important, there is also a need to build character and discipline among young graduates entering the workforce.
Shivute further noted that NamRA is preparing to recruit graduates to support emerging economic opportunities, particularly in oil and gas and related strategic areas.
He also said the agency would, where appropriate, consider candidates from the NYS database of unemployed recruits for entry-level positions, provided they meet the required qualifications and competencies.
Also speaking at the event, NYS Commissioner Felix Musukubili welcomed the agreement, saying it strengthens the role of national service training in preparing young people for work and public life.
He said the NYS has evolved beyond its traditional training mandate and now also offers short programmes to government and private institutions.
“Our mandate is to train the youth but over time we have evolved to offer short programmes in national service,” Musukubili said.
“These programmes benefit both government and private-sector employees.”
Musukubili said the training is designed to instill discipline, patriotism and a strong sense of responsibility among participants.
He further added that those who go through NYS training tend to better understand how their roles contribute to national development.
The agreement comes as the government continues to look for ways to address youth unemployment while also preparing a workforce that can respond to emerging economic sectors, including oil and gas exploration and expanded cross-border trade.
