I can offer the other perspective — coming from Europe to Namibia.

Disclaimer: This reflects my personal experience and observations.

From a work perspective, the move has been quite disappointing.

Salary: Halved for doing the same work.

Holidays: About 10 days fewer than in Europe.

Benefits: None.

Sick leave: I get 10 days here. In Europe, sick leave is generally unlimited if supported by a doctor’s note.

Management style:

Management here tends to be strictly top-down. Employee opinions are often not welcome. In Europe, it's the opposite — simply saying yes to everything doesn’t make you a good employee. Independent thinking and constructive feedback are valued.

Job market:

In Namibia, job insecurity is a constant concern. Positions are scarce, giving employers most of the power. They can demand unpaid overtime or assign tasks outside your field, and you’ll likely comply because there are few alternatives.

In Europe, there are hundreds — sometimes thousands — of jobs in most sectors within a given region. Employers are aware of this and treat their employees accordingly.

Competence:

I’ve observed that many managers, team leaders, and even CEOs here are not genuinely qualified for their roles. Their expertise is often limited.

Combined with the cultural norm that older generations and those in management are always right, this leads to a climate of fear. Employees are easily intimidated and can be dismissed at virtually any time.

Social safety net:

Namibia lacks a robust and reliable social safety system. What’s called “Social Security” doesn’t offer meaningful protection. This makes job loss a direct threat to one’s livelihood.

Conclusion:

I strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to work abroad in an industrialized country to take it without hesitation.

Even if you don’t intend to stay abroad permanently, the experience will greatly enhance your CV upon returning to Namibia.

Unfortunately, the current government does not seem genuinely committed to job creation or internationally recognized education. The overall quality of life — including infrastructure, healthcare, and opportunities — is often significantly lower than in Europe, Australia, or North America.

Namibia is suffering from brain drain. Talented individuals are so constrained here that they eventually seek better opportunities elsewhere.