In Namibia, the tourism industry contributes N$14.3 billion to our Gross Domestic Product and employs about 58 thousand people, Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Services, Dr. Emma Kantema has said.
Speaking at the official opening of the 6th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge, Katema highlighted that while the potential of youth in tourism is immense, Namibia must also acknowledge the challenges they face.
“Access to industry education, training, and resources remain significant barriers to entry for many youths. This summit is an opportunity to address these challenges head-on by fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and developing strategies that will enable our youth to thrive and enter the mainstream of the tourism economy.
“It underscores the vital need for practical, impactful strategies that can drive the transformation of our tourism industry and empower the youth. They are the entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who will shape the tourism landscape of tomorrow,” she said.
She went on to say that by focusing on actionable solutions for travel tech, tourism innovation, and youth employability, government is directly addressing key policy objectives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of our young people and integrating them into the mainstream economy this is policy in action.
“Moreover, our efforts here are in harmony with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Furthermore, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a monumental initiative that holds great promise for the tourism sector and youth entrepreneurship.
“By reducing trade barriers and fostering a larger, more integrated market, AfCFTA provides an unprecedented opportunity for our youth to expand their businesses, collaborate across borders, and access new markets. This integration will not only boost economic growth but also promote cultural exchange and unity across the continent. The AfCFTA resonate with our goals of fostering a more interconnected and prosperous Africa, where our youth can thrive and lead the way in innovation and entrepreneurship,” explained Kantema.