Solutions session at the Second World Summit for Social Development

 

Solutions session by the Republic of Namibia at the Second World Summit for Social Development

Format of the Session

The session will be hosted in person during the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. It will bring together government representatives, social partners, and international participants for knowledge exchange.

Panel Discussion

Featuring government officials and social partners from Namibia.

Interactive Debate

Countries with existing national minimum wages will share insights and experiences.

Knowledge Exchange

Promoting peer learning and collaboration to advance social development goals.

Namibia's journey towards a national minimum wage is rooted in its constitutional commitment to social justice and a decent standard of living for all citizens. Despite significant economic growth, the country has continued to face persistent income inequality.

Before the NMW, only a few sectors, like agriculture, security and domestic work, had legally mandated minimum wages, leaving most workers vulnerable to exploitation and low pay.

In response, the Namibian government, in collaboration with social partners and with technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), enacted a new wage order. This policy is a crucial step towards fulfilling the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Namibian workers      

The National Minimum Wage: Key Features

General Wage

N$18.00 per hour, applicable to all sectors not specified for a gradual increase.

 

Agricultural Workers

Gradual increase from N$10.00 per hour in 2025 to N$18.00 per hour by 2027.

 

Domestic Workers

Gradual increase from N$12.00 per hour in 2025 to N$18.00 per hour by 2027.

 

Security Workers

Gradual increase from N$13.50 per hour in 2025 to N$18.00 per hour by 2027.

Anticipated Social and Economic Impact

Poverty Reduction

Raising incomes of the lowest-paid workers to directly improve living standards and alleviate poverty.

Income Equality

Narrowing wage gaps and addressing structural inequalities, particularly for women in low-wage sectors.

Decent Work

Promoting fair compensation and ensuring work provides dignity and protection from exploitation.

Economic Stimulation

Increasing consumer demand, creating a positive feedback loop to foster broader economic growth.

Challenges and Future Outlook

 

Ensuring Compliance

Monitoring employers in both formal and informal sectors to enforce wage laws effectively.

 

Employment Effects

Balancing higher wages with sustainable business practices to avoid job losses.

 

Future Adjustments

Reviewing the wage every two years to ensure it evolves into a true living wage aligned with cost of living.

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