A framework to capture economic sectors' relationships

Combining efforts for meaningful action within the economic sector, the EIA and SAM were launched in Windhoek this week.

The EIA is a process to assess existing and upcoming projects in Namibia and to assess the employment potential and impacts of sectoral policies and investments. The assessment focuses on direct and indirect employment. It considers both the quantitative effects, which include the amount of employment created, and the qualitative effects, which include the types of jobs and the quality of jobs created.

MLIREC executive director, Lydia Indombo explained that the main goal of EIA is to assist and design targeted interventions that promote more and better job creation for all, including women and youth. “It provides the government with insight to actually formulate policy options to enhance the employment outcome of investment such as identifying of skills required for implementing the project; putting measures in place to make such skills available and adopting policies to increase domestically produced input to increase employment within the economy,” she said.

Additionally, the EIA is designed to ensure that more productive and decent jobs are created for all economically active job seekers who are available and are looking for jobs.



Analysing sector relationships

Statistician-General and CEO of NSA, Alex Shimuafeni says the SAM is a comprehensive and detailed accounting framework that captures the interrelationships among different sectors of an economy and various social groups.

Shimuafeni says “The tool further provides a systematic way to organise and analyse economic and social data, offering valuable insights into the complex interactions within a society. It also integrates various economic, social, and environmental factors, and is a testament to our collective dedication to fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth.”

At the launch, ILO director, Philile Masuku’s remarks were delivered on her behalf, by ILO country representative, Natali Halweendo. She said the ILO country office for Zimbabwe and Namibia reaffirms its commitment as part of the United Nations team in Namibia to support ongoing programmes in Namibia to tackle the challenges of employment, poverty, and inequality towards achieving decent work and social justice.

Masuku’s remarks refer to the importance of collaboration, saying “This journey is not one that any single entity can undertake alone. It requires collaboration, shared knowledge, and a collective commitment to inclusive development. I encourage partnerships between the government, workers and business leaders, UN Agencies, research institutions, and the ILO to maximise the impact of the SAM findings and translate them into meaningful action.”