Census 2023 ...a wake-up call!

The findings of the preliminary results of the 2023 Housing and Population Census (HPC) should be a great opportunity for both the powers that be and the entertainment and arts sector. Why? Because one of the findings affects both sides of the coin exponentially.

The preliminary finding that I would like to highlight is that 2.1 million Namibians are under the age of 35. What does this mean for the powers that be? What does this mean for the entertainment and arts industry?

You would be extremely foolish if you in your sober mind think this means nothing.

For years...I’ve been calling on the powers that be to look at the entertainment and arts industry as a weapon to wipe youth unemployment off the face of this country. As we know...the youth unemployment rate is over 30%. Coupled with the preliminary results indicating 71,1% of the people in the country are under 35 years old, we can no longer ignore an obvious solution staring right at us. That solution is the entertainment and arts industry. Investing in industrialising the entertainment and arts sector will provide results NOW. The oil discoveries and green hydrogen are not an interim-midterm solution.

These two factors are for the generations to come. This motherland will only truly see the positive economic effects of oil and green hydrogen in about 50 to 100 years.

However, investing in industrialising the entertainment and arts sector will yield results in the interim and relieve Namibia of its youth unemployment ticking time bomb.

A film city alone can employ at least 200 youth on a permanent basis and scores of temporary workers. That’s a fraction of the entertainment and arts sector. The findings from the preliminary results of the 2023 Housing and Population Census are alarming. A majority of this population is under 35. Invest in the entertainment and arts sector now for interim results.

As for players within the sector...these results should be your focus point. These results should be a continuous discussion.

These results should guide your business decision-making process. These results should help you figure out who your target market should be. If half of the population is under 35, the question you should be asking yourself as an entertainer and arts practitioner is, how can I capitalise from this market?

Research and development are extremely important. With the revelation of these new findings, now is the perfect time to research and develop. Notwithstanding that, today’s episode features a gentleman who has been operating in this sector as a professional for the last two decades and some change. He is one to understand the importance of research and development. Fidel Nambundunga aka Fidel O’Del is an underrated legend that deserves his flowers. Watch the episode and don’t forget to use the hashtag #IndustryLoop when sharing your thoughts.

Until the next Loop, we say #GMTM

Need an MC? I’m YOUR guy. Hit me up... naobebsekind@gmail.com