Title: A critical analysis of the impact of Social Security Commission's Development Fund on job creation in Namibia

Authors: Benjamin Iiyambo; Blessing Tafirenyika

Addresses: International University of Management (IUM), Windhoek, Namibia ' IUM-Graduate School of Business, Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract: In response to high unemployment, numerous labour market interventions have been implemented in Namibia. Amongst these, is the Social Security Commission's Development Fund (SSC-DF), which finances community projects aimed at creating jobs for unemployed Namibians. This article analyses the SSC DF's impact on job creation by first examining how its mandate is implemented and then assessing its contribution to employment outcomes. Using a systematic review of secondary data guided by the PRISMA framework, the study found that the SSC DF has created jobs, most being temporary. The article argues that greater impact lies in production based, high growth economic sectors rather than non-productive social ventures. Agriculture and manufacturing show stronger potential for permanent job creation, with agriculture generating most of the SSC DF's jobs. The article concludes that refining funding focus and streamlining processes are essential for enhancing the fund's effectiveness.

Keywords: job creation; sustainability; unemployment; Namibia.

DOI: 10.1504/AJESD.2026.154633

African Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development, 2026 Vol.11 No.1, pp.25 - 39

Received: 12 Sep 2024
Accepted: 23 Jun 2025
Published online: 08 Jul 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article