The Namibian government has committed more than N$114.7 million towards the development of the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre in the //Kharas Region, as part of efforts to expand technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially inaugurated the facility in Keetmanshoop on Thursday, describing it as a key milestone in strengthening skills development and improving access to vocational training.
“The inauguration of this centre is a clear testament to our Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Namibian, especially the youth, has access to quality vocational training that equips them with relevant skills required in today’s job market,” she said.
The project received an initial N$11.7 million allocation for Phase 1, followed by a further N$103 million for Phase 1B construction, reflecting continued public investment in training infrastructure.
Spanning approximately 300,000 square metres, the centre is positioned as a specialised hub for the energy sector, with a focus on oil and gas as well as green hydrogen.
“It underscores Namibia’s upward trajectory in advancing our shared national objective of expanding access to technical and vocational skills,” Witbooi said.
She added that the facility aligns with national development priorities under the Sixth National Development Plan, particularly efforts to improve the responsiveness of the TVET sector to labour market demands.
“By 2030, the TVET sector aims to increase the proportion of graduates whose skills are aligned with industry needs from 65% to 70%,” she said.
The Keetmanshoop centre becomes the 12th regionally based vocational training facility established by government, forming part of a broader strategy to ensure all 14 regions have access to TVET institutions.
“Institutions such as the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre will play a critical role in equipping our youth with practical, industry-relevant competencies required in emerging sectors,” Witbooi said.
She added that the facility is expected to support skills development linked to major economic projects, including green hydrogen, oil and gas, and irrigation initiatives around the Neckartal Dam.
“This state-of-the-art facility ultimately belongs to the people of Namibia and exists to equip our youth with the knowledge and practical skills they require to succeed in today’s job market,” she said.
