World Bank classification hides real issues: Nghipondoka

• By Andre Tino

EDUCATION Minister Ester Anna Nghipondoka says Namibia’s classification as an Upper-Middle Income Country (UMIC) by the World Bank has disguised the real issue of poverty, unemployment and inequality in the country.

Nghipondoka said this in her keynote address at the 22nd Namibia College of Opening Learning (NAMCOL) graduation ceremony on September 14.

She stated that there is a need to address inequality through programmes that enhance the employment and livelihood of citizens.

“Namibia has been classified as an Upper-Middle Income Country by the World Bank. This has, unfortunately, disguised the real situation of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Therefore, there is a need to address these discrepancies through upskilling programmes that enhance the employment and livelihood of our citizens,” she said.

Nghipondoka highlighted that Namibia can only have decent work for all citizens if it upskill for a better future.

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