Niël Terblanché
Namibia is focusing on enhancing its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector in an ambitious move to combat the high unemployment rate in the country and modernize the national economy.
The Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi, highlighted the critical role of a responsive and industry-relevant TVET sector during the inauguration of new workshops at the Zambezi Vocational Training Centre.
She stated that addressing the unemployment and under-employment challenges in the highly segmented labour market is vital for economic growth.
According to the minister, Namibia is on the brink of a significant economic transformation, with burgeoning sectors like green hydrogen, and oil and gas that will eventually demand specialized professional and technical skills.
She said the government’s investment in TVET infrastructure development, supported in part by development partners, aligns with the National TVET Transformation Policy under the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP 1).
This policy aims to expand TVET’s reach and diversity across the country, making it a cornerstone for Namibia’s industrialization and overall development.
The minister said that the TVET sector is not just about bridging the education-employment gap; it is crucial for equipping individuals with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“By fostering innovation and contributing to economic diversification, TVET empowers the youth to play a meaningful role in the nation’s prosperity,” she added.
The expansion of the Zambezi Vocational Training Centre and similar initiatives across Namibia underline the government’s commitment to a robust, industry-driven employment creation agenda.
According to the minister, this approach is essential for building a modern economy where the majority of adults can earn a living through their work, thereby contributing to the nation’s wealth and supporting government efforts to provide for the unemployed.
Namibia’s strategic endeavours, including its pursuit to become a green hydrogen hub and capitalize on recent oil and gas discoveries, underscore the urgent need for highly skilled workers.
From electricians and plumbers to wind farm technicians and photovoltaic module installers, a wide range of vocational training is required to meet the demands of these emerging sectors.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, along with the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) and the National Commission on Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation (NCRST), is actively seeking to identify the technical and professional skills necessary to drive these industries forward.
The minister said the aim is to localize part of the beneficiation processes to support the government’s Growth at Home Policy, ensuring that Namibia can fully benefit from its natural resources.
She added that efforts to reposition the Namibian tertiary education system to respond to the needs of these new priority fields are underway. This includes expanding access to education and training through international partnerships and prioritizing staff upskilling and retraining.
Kandjii-Murangi said that Namibia’s commitment to providing quality education and training to all 14 regions of Namibia is a testament to the government’s dedication to inclusivity and national development.
“By providing young Namibians with access to technical, academic, and professional education, the nation is preparing its future workforce to contribute effectively to economic growth and development,” she said.
According to the minister, the focus remains on creating a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic diversification while the country will continue to invest in its TVET sector,
“This strategic approach not only addresses the immediate challenge of unemployment but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity,” she stated.
