The government has intensified efforts to reform the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, focusing on modernising training centres, improving quality, and expanding access across all regions.
The reforms are aimed at closing Namibia’s persistent skills gap and enhancing youth employability in key sectors such as energy, construction, and manufacturing.
Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Lisho Mundia, said government is transforming the Kai//Ganaxab and College of the Arts into fully fledged TVET centres and has secured land in Omuthiya for a new regional training facility in Oshikoto.
“The ministry’s plan includes expanding TVET infrastructure nationwide while aligning curricula with labour market needs. In Namibia, TVET lies at the heart of our government’s core priority to build a sustainable, inclusive and competitive economy,” said Mundia.
The reform drive forms part of the 2021 TVET Policy and the upcoming Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), both of which identify TVET as a cornerstone for industrial growth and innovation.
Mundia said the government’s priorities include upgrading facilities, introducing modern training equipment, and strengthening teacher development. He added that the reforms are supported by international partnerships such as the GIZ ProTVET programme and bilateral cooperation with Germany.
“These collaborations help with curriculum redesign, renewable energy training and the integration of green skills in response to Namibia’s energy transition and green hydrogen ambitions. The development of green and digital skills within our TVET institutions is essential if we are to prepare young Namibians for the jobs of the future,” he said.
Speaking at the 2025 TVET Conference hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Niikondo said the university is strengthening links between vocational training and employment.
“NUST is leading several initiatives aimed at producing graduates who can participate in Namibia’s industrial transformation. This project seeks to develop the skilled workforce required for the country’s emerging green hydrogen economy while promoting job creation and entrepreneurship,” said Niikondo.
Through the Innovating Green Networks through Industry and TVET Empowerment for Green Hydrogen (IGNITE GH₂) project, NUST is developing specialised programmes in solar photovoltaic systems, water management and civil engineering.
The university is also preparing to launch Namibia’s first Bachelor’s and Honours degrees in Renewable Energy, designed to professionalise TVET instruction and raise technical education standards.
Niikondo said the long-term success of TVET reform will depend on strong collaboration between government, academia and the private sector.
