Finding decent work for young people to staunch the youth employment crisis is one of 
most significant challenges of our time. This research paper reports on the role of the
Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture in combating  youth 
unemployment in Namibia focusing on urban Khomas region. In the introduction section 
a comparative approach displays the global and  sub­Saharan  Africa features of youth 
unemployment as compared to the Namibian situation. This reflects that the problem of 
youth unemployment cuts across countries the world over. The paper further discussed 
various government initiatives and programmes introduced to promote youth 
employment in the country. The commitment of the Namibian government to provide
equal opportunities to the youth and to mainstream them into the economic life in order 
to realize their potential is here confirmed. 
Lack  of education  and early school drop­out,  lack  of  experience and lack  of technical
skills have been identified as significant factors that contribute to the high rate of youth 
unemployment in Namibia and in Khomas region in particular. Data collected reflected 
also the influence of sex, gender and  culture in the employment circle of the Namibian 
youth. 
The paper identified critical consequences of unemployment on the youth and these
include among  others,  financial constraints,  increased crime, suicides,  theft, domestic
violence, economic and social instability and frustration, to mention but a few.
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The paper concludes that the Ministry of Youth has shown its commitment and political
will to redress youth unemployment through its programmes and activities throughout the
country and in Khomas region. However, concerted efforts are needed to keep a strong 
link  between educational institutions and the employers to  provide workers who are 
equipped with market­related  skills and knowledge on one hand,  and the market
information on the other.