Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti, said Namibia continues to face a mismatch between the skills produced at institutions of high learning and those demanded by industries.
He was talking on Tuesday during the launch of the Technical Assistance to Support the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) in Improving the Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) offer related to the Green Transition Project.
He said the concern is shared by local industry stakeholders, and the ministry as policymakers, who seek practical solutions to address national needs. There is broad consensus that a well-aligned TVET system is essential for expanding Namibia’s skills base and unlocking inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
According to him, there are currently 74 registered vocational training institutions in Namibia, serving thousands of aspiring trainees across the nation. With US$44 million (approximately N$814 million) invested annually into TVET, the government is sending a clear message that vocational skills matter. Yet, challenges persist.
‘’Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high at 37.3%. Nearly one in three young Namibians is not engaged in education, employment, or training and Only 0.1% of secondary-level learners are enrolled in vocational programmes. This data compels us to act decisively. Through the introduction of competency-based education and training (CBET), expanded access to certification, and recognition of prior learning, we are empowering Namibians, not just to participate in the labour market, but to lead it,’’ he said.
He added that the project is about more than curriculum reform; it’s about youth empowerment, as the ministry is introducing competency-based education and training (CBET), expanding access to certification, and strengthening recognition of prior learning. Reforms that will ensure the youth are not just job seekers, but job creators in green industries such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism.
European Union (EU) Chargé d’Affaires in Namibia Ian Dupont, who also spoke at the same occasion, said the EU will strengthen NTA’s coordination role in skills development across the green industrialisation to ensure that resources are used effectively, avoid duplication, and align training programmes with the demands of the labour market.
‘’The needs are urgent. Namibia faces high unemployment—especially among women (48.5%) and youth (46.1%). Economic growth, job creation, and skills development must go hand in hand. A flagship achievement was the creation of the Northern Training Hub, comprising the Nakayale, Eenhana, and Valombola Vocational Training Centres. These centres of excellence offer young Namibians access to skills development, especially in sectors like agriculture, construction, and renewable energy. It has boosted employability and supported regional development,’’ Dupont said.
Head of Policy, Planning and Strategy at the ministry, Joseph Mukendwa, said the government has established the National Task Force on Education, Skills and Research for the Green Hydrogen and Derivatives sector. The task force is responsible for identifying and quantifying priority occupations to design skilling pathways that meet the needs of both the green hydrogen industry and Namibia’s broader green industrialisation goals.
‘’Through the leadership of this National Task Force, we are finalising the development of a Skills Development Strategy and Implementation Plan for the sector. This Strategy will outline key interventions required to scale up skills development for the sector, and it is underpinned by a clear commitment to ensure that no one is left behind, especially youth and women,’’ he said.
